Mayluna

by Kelley McNeil

A legendary band, an iconic lead singer, and their mysterious connection to a woman whose love helped create the music of a generation. Timing is everything in a powerful novel about fate, regret, and moving on by the author of A Day Like This . In the 1990s, Carter Wills was the lead singer of the English alt-rock band Mayluna, securing his place among music legends. His tortured-heart lyrics struck a chord. And so did his secret connection to a woman whose love changed all their lives. Who was she? Evie Waters’s two grown children discover an iconic photo in an old magazine of a “mystery girl” with their mother. It all started in a wistful time and place for Evie, her twenty-fifth summer. A young columnist forging her career. Backstage euphoria. A long-shot interview. And an almost cosmic connection with an enigmatic musician on the rise. What happened between them is a hidden story no one, not even Evie’s family, knows. Until now. Worlds apart, Carter and Evie finally reveal the story―joyful, regretful, and unforgettable. It was a time when the stars aligned for a love so profound the whole world felt it. It was as if it would last forever.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Book Club, Music

Audio CD

First published February 1, 2024

About the author

Kelley McNeil is an American author known for her book club fiction, which includes the chart-topping novels, "A Day Like This," and "Mayluna." Her writing is often inspired by the interconnected themes of intuition and the ongoing journey toward personal growth and happiness.

In her latest novel, "Mayluna," these themes are woven together once more, this time with a dose of insight into the behind-the-scenes world of rock & roll, drawing from Kelley's former career in the music industry.

Originally a native of Pittsburgh, these days you'll often find Kelley in sunny South Florida, her current home, where she can be seen immersed in her notebook with her daughters and a menagerie of beloved animals nearby; or sitting with her laptop at a café in London, a place she considers her second home.

Stay connected with Kelley through her newsletter, where she offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing process, shares bonus features, book recommendations, playlists, and glimpses of life. She also enjoys engaging with her readers on social media, where you can find her on Insta at @kelleylmcneil or kelleymcneilauthor on TT & FB.

Reviews

[Sara Carrolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely believe if you read one direction fanfic between 2012-2014 you’d enjoy this (in the most positive way possible)

This felt NOSTALGICCCCC!!!! Evie was literally y/n 25 years ago dating the lead singer of an up & coming band and was their muse for all the huge hits they ended up having. She was the “mystery girl” telling her kids years later how she met them/worked for them/fell in love with Carter. (The band lowkey gave 5sos opening for one direction vibes, but Mayluna were British not Australian)

This is more of a trust the process book, the storytelling is a bit slow at first, but it picks up & makes more sense as the plot continues. I was actually addicted to knowing what was gonna happen & why these two didn’t end up together + was obsessed with the fanfic energy of the plot ‼️‼️

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 4 out of 5]

hey so kindle unlimited……. you recommended this to me as a “feel good rockstar romance” so fuck you

[aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

I HATE THIS BOOK. I HATE THIS BOOK. I HATE THIS BOOK. I HATE THIS BOOK.



(my favorite read of the year so far)



(please read it at your own risk, I’m a shell of a person now)

[bruna · Rating 3 out of 5]

★ 3.25 stars

🎧 alexa, play the 1 by taylor swift.

pardon my language, but FUCK THIS BOOK.

i don’t plan on writing a full review, sorry. all i can say is that this is a heartfelt, captivating and beautifully written story that kept me hooked from beginning to end — but i lowkey wish i had never read it. make of that what you will, i won’t elaborate. read it and you’ll find out.

─────────────────────

➷ pre-read:

i was looking for a book that would tore my heart into a million tiny pieces and give me emotional damage (what can i say? i love pain <3) and i’ve heard this one will deliver what i want so here we go! hope it doesn’t disappoint me 😫

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the blurb about this book while considering which Amazon First Reads to pick, I knew I had to select this one and read it right away.
One might be worried it’s too similar to Daisy Jones and The Six, and while there are certainly uncanny similarities they each stand apart. I don’t think there’s much denying TJR pens the better songs, and while I have loved everything I have read of hers thus far, McNeil just may have the upper hand in creating a heartbreakingly beautiful pair of people who deserve more. I enjoyed the characters of this book, the confession/interview storytelling, and the view of stardom and love through a different lens. This was a quick and easy read, leaving me desperate to turn the next page, the next chapter to see what would happen next. To feel that sense of excitement of dreams coming true, the nostalgia of impenetrable sibling-like friendships, the relationships of a tight knit group of meant to be people ever evolving, the will they-won’t they, and then the utter heart shattering moment that results in a well deserved dollop of love and peace, for a lover, a daughter, a friend, a fan.
Would 100% recommend. Not a bad way to start the new year, but talk about setting a high bar.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was not expecting much from an Amazon first reads pick but I loved this from the start. I wish I had started this on a day I could just read the day away because I hated putting this story down. I do not give out 5 stars often but these characters felt real to me and I could picture their camaraderie and Evie’s place in their lives so easily. I loved the arc of watching them rise to fame and our insight into those special early days that created so much magic. I am so emotional with this ending that I will be thinking about it for days. Wish I could say more on that but will keep this spoiler free.

McNeil knows how to weave a story and created such a realistic, heartbreaking, and memorable novel. Her insights on motherhood and love were beautiful. I will need to sit with this for a day or two before starting another book which is a high compliment to how this touched me!

[Destiney Bomberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IN THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE?!! This book HURT! Whoever recommended me this, count your days!!!

The way I chewed this up in less than 24 hours, the moment I picked it up I was on the edge, I had to know what was going to happen next and now I’m just a wreck.

Honestly go into this blind! All you need to know is rockstar vibes, kinda gave me Daisy Jones feels!

4.75 maybe even 5?!

[Reggie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Had to come back & give it 5 stars cuz I cannot stop thinking about it) This book came highly recommended to me by a bunch of pod listeners & I LOVED IT.

This brought me back to when my husband was in a band in college & I was the band videographer…yeah🫠

This is such a beautifully told story. I love me a rockstar romance 😫❤️ One of my favorite elements to the story was Evie telling this story to her kids. That made it even more exciting & special.

This isn’t a fluffy romance book by any means. It had a lot of depth to it & the characters were complex. I went from squealing to crying each chapter. Can’t wait to read more from this author. Like I said, absolutely beautiful!

Thanks to those who recommended I read this. You know me so well🫶🏻

“If it's possible that tomorrow could be sad, then perhaps it's equally possible that it could be joyful. Equally possible that something wonderful could happen. Something that surprises me. Something that reminds me that the universe hasn't forgotten about me. Something that shows me that every day, there is... at least... the possibility that something miraculous, however large or small, will come from this single moment in time. Probability can be a little too hard to believe in sometimes. But possibility is enough.”

[Claire Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not prepared for the sadness this book brought on! It had Daisy and the Jones vibes from the offset and I was hooked instantly! Never have I ever skipped to the end of a book before but I could not bear the anticipation of will they/won’t they, only to have my hopes and dreams crushed!!! I’m devastated that they never got their happy ever after. I am so happy for Evie who found peace in the end, but the band, they just didn’t deserve their ending. I will be grieving for them for a long time! Now I must go and convince myself of an alternative ending and forget this ever happened. I look forward to reading more by this author but will tread carefully and maybe be more prepared for heartbreak.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I loved so much about this book! It gave me so many feels and was a wild ride. I loved the way it was written, but it also had a troupe I detest and honestly, I wasn’t happy with how it ended. I get it, but I wish it was different.

This is my first book by Kelley McNeil and I’m sure I’ll be reading more from her in the future. Evie and Carter are unforgettable characters and the whole cast of Mayluna was great. The audio was wonderful and if you’re interested in reading it, I highly recommend listening!

Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4.25 stars
Narrators: Amanda Leigh Cobb & Kevin Kemp
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Historical
Length: 11h 13m

[Karen Wrobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn over this one, there were parts that were lovely and sweet, and other sections that I had serious issues with. I enjoyed the overall story, but thought the main character was a complete mess; I also had serious problems with her decisions, particularly the central plot line - there was absolutely no justification for what she did, it doesn’t matter how the author twisted everything around to make it ‘for love’. I don’t know who I felt worse for - Carter or Steve. I know it was supposed to be tragic, but I hated what the author chose to do to the secondary main character, it felt like tragedy for the sake of saying ‘it was so tragic’ as opposed to a truly necessary piece of the story, although I guess it was needed so Evie could re-establish her career (I can think of multiple other ways to do that). Anyway, it was a little too long, and the main character didn’t make a particularly good narrator. It’s a toss up between 2.5 and 3 stars, although the potential is there for more. January Amazon first read.

[Keri Kobus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathartic. That is the single best word to describe this book for me.

I’m not sure I’ve ever had a book affect me quite like this one has. The similarities to my personal life experiences are uncanny.

I chose it as my January first read so I went in totally blind, and I am so grateful for that. That was the universe at work as Carter would say! I would have been too fearful to read it if I would have known, worried about the memories it would have drawn up that I keep buried down deep. I highlighted countless quotes that felt like the author was pulling straight from my soul.

This story is going to rise straight to the top and I am excited to think that I was one of the first to experience it.

Big thank you to this author whose words healed a little part of me and will stay with me forever.

[Kennedy Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I predicted how this book would end, it took me for a RIDE. Just read this one, trust me.

I could see this becoming a movie in a heartbeat, and I WOULD LOVE THAT.

[Addison Briann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could go back to the person I was before reading this. I will never be the same ever again

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!
I cannot put into words how much I loved it.

•Past/present timelines
•Opposites attract
•Dual POV
•Rockstar romance

I went in blindly and don't want to spoil anything. I will say I'd recommend it to anyone! If you like 90's music...British rock...Almost Famous...Daisy Jones + The Six...epic love stories. Read this! 5 stars

[Hoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

- I don’t have much to say tbh. I had such a high expectations for this since everyone was giving it five stars and i did enjoy reading it but.. it was very predictable since the author already made it very clear from the beginning how the end is going to be. Yess i felt said and i shed a-lot of tears but at the same time i was very bored because I already know how it’s going to end 😭

-The writing was very very good. I loved it so much but at the same time it was very descriptive and a little repetitive like okay i love knowing all the details and I don’t mind when things get repetitive but I wanted more dialogue and less description.

- but also i’m not saying that the book was bad the plot is actually so good and it maybe a me problem because my finals are SO close and i’m just stressing over them and it kinda of made me not in the mood for it 😭💔 but i still enjoyed it 🫶🏻

[Bailee Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A love story that I will remember for the foreseeable future.
Carter is the lead singer of Mayluna, a band from the UK that is growing in popularity in the US. Evie is a reporter, but what she really wants is to be a filmmaker, specifically making documentaries about bands who love what they do. The stars align one day and they meet and the connection they have is undeniable to all who witness them together.

I loved this book. I especially loved the relationships that Evie grew with the entire band, her little found family. That trope gets me every single time. Carter and Evie had a connection that seeped off of the pages and jumped straight into my heart. I loved them. They made mistakes, but through everything they loved each other wholly and deeply. The ending made me sob, but it honestly was fulfilling. I loved the way this story was told. What a beautiful book.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Evie Waters’s adult children discover a photo of their mother with famous musician Carter Willis, she shares with them the story of a reporter, a band, and the love of a lifetime.

This was as absolutely heartwarming as it was heartbreaking, but I enjoyed every moment of it. In fact, I am still thinking about these characters days later. If you are someone who loves an angsty, emotional and complicated romance, I think you would enjoy this one as much as I did.

Read if you like:
•rock star romances
•reporter/band dynamic
•messy and emotional love stories
•dual timelines

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for my gifted copies.

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm too emotional to give it a review at the moment, so this will be continued when I can properly gather my thoughts. But this is one of the best books I have ever read. My jaw is on the ground. Wow

[Mikayla Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in absolute shambles. This book was a master piece

[Oriell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I have to rate this 4.5 STARS.

I still am unwell. I have never been this awestruck and dumbfounded by a book. EVER.

I did have low expectations while initially reading the book and had initially complained on some of the storytelling elements. But, literally everything in this book is for a reason! As soon as I thought I knew where this was going, it turned out that I KNEW NOTHING.

I’m so glad that I continued to read this. What a GREAT way to start this book year. I already want to reread this one.

This author is a genius.

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A week later and I'm still thinking about this book daily.

This was definitely a slow burn that I enjoyed. I can see his it would be too slow for some but I found out comforting for most of the book. It was beautiful for the most part.

with that being said, this book also pissed me off and I felt like throwing my kindle across the room. Why????????

[Charise · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING. SNOOZEFEST. DNF

[Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes: rockstar; second chances; nontraditional hea.

What??? Nooooo! Seriously, why did you do this, Kelley McNeil?!!!! 😩😭

Mayluna was so heartbreakingly-beautiful. It has Daisy Jones vibes all the way and I was instantly hooked. I was just not expecting that ending! It’s with tears in my eyes that I give Mayluna 5 stars

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb, Kevin Kemp
Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins

I really enjoyed A Day Like This. So I looked forward reading Kelley McNeil's newest book MAYLUNA. I'm not very fond of books with the rock/film/sport stars in the lead, so I was a bit hesitant when I saw that this story was about a rock star, Carter Wills, and a young columnist Cameron/Evie Waters but I hoped for the best.

Sadly this story never grabbed me. The style of this book was difficult to follow at times and I kept waiting for something to happen that would hook me ... but the story just dragged on, was all over the place and was kinda messy.

I hated how I was told instead of shown what happened between Cameron/Evie and Carter. Mix to that past/present timeline, switching POVs. Perhaps if the story had progressed chronologically, it would have made me more invested in the story and the characters? The way MAYLUNA was written...the way I was told that this and that happened back in the 90s...this sort of writing took away from the emotion and connection with the characters, was tiresome to read. And like all that back and forth between Evie and Carter wasn't enough, author had to come up with this sort of ending? Why??? I'm sure there are lots of readers who will enjoy this sort of books and this sort of resolution, but this story just wasn't for me. Hope that author's next book will be more enjoyable.

Narrators: not fan of male narrator's inarticulate breathy voice that sometimes was difficult to understand. Even Amanda Leigh Cobb could not save this book for me.

MAYLUNA and Simply the Best are two of my most anticipated romance books of 2024. After MAYLUNA dissapointed me, I really hope that Susan Elizabeth Phillips won't let me down with her newest book!!!

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 2 out of 5]

On why you shouldn't trust your romance reader friends recommending a book which consensus
-revolves on secrecy ("do not read reviews", "go into as blind as you can!")
-promises a tear jerking experience ("I'll send out the tissues")
-advises on joining an emotional support group ("We will be here to wipe your tears", "we'll be there for you if you need to talk" ).
For the record, I was highly suspicious but FOMO, strongly delivered comments ("that book will stay with me forever" I BET IT DID you are likely TRAUMATIZED, Sammy!) and some serious book pushing made me do it and listen: I ENJOYED THE BOOK, alright!?

The author has a strong voice and the storytelling did its thing: in a matter of a few pages I felt myself immersed into this TRAGIC FICTION DRAMA. I would say it's a DJATS-lite.

BUT—and it's a huge one, DO NOT LIE to the readers. Not even by omission. Or under guise of blanket statements like in the grand scheme it is a beautiful and tragic love story or some similar BS.

🚨1st warning : THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE.
🚨2nd warning : THIS IS NOT A 🦆 ROMANCE!
🚨3rd warning : NO HEA... ergo, this isn't a romance.

Now, if you want a straight warning I will tell you exactly why. Some will argue this is a spoiler and maybe it is though honestly, in hindsight, when people cautions you to avoid spoilers, to prepare boxes of tissues and to reach out to them for emotional support after you're done reading, well, you really did this to yourself because how stupid could you be? 🤡

Here is your big fat spoiler: THE MAIN LOVE INTEREST DIES. THERE IS NO HEA

So this post is me hating on myself for dismissing all the silent triggers. I equally loved and hated reading this. I enjoyed the love story of course, I hated being blindsided even though the story grew pretty predictable. I kept holding out for something different because surely my friends wouldn't have done the irreparable? So I guess it's also to rant to and about my book pushers for ✨misleading meeeee✨ 😆Sorry not sorry!

As for my rating? It's hard one but I'm strongly inclined to give it a two stars. Some narratives choices were reading awkward to me and lacked the necessary depth.
(The 1st person POV flashbacks meant to her children and the surface interactions with the rest of the band were frustrating.)
If you like a good tearjerker THAT IS NOT A ROMANCE that paradoxically stays a bit on the surface I believe this one could truly squeeze and chew your little heart out and provide those cathartic tears you seek out.
If you liked this one and haven't yet read Daisy Jones though, do it!

[Dawn Porter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pft... started off well, then got boring.. saw the end coming , but i did feel what was the point in it all. Their love affair wasn' t really that epic, and then she killed the whole band at the end.

And she originally left him cause he became a famous rockstar who didn't have any time for her she didnt give him much of a chance...and isn't the whole I tried to tell you i was pregnant but couldnt get hold of you is a bit tiresome done to death?

The FMC retelling didn't feel like she was talking to her kids, and then randomly, a sentence was thrown in to show she was. This was too Daisy Jones and the Six for me I'd rather it had just been a normal novel.

I do think the author can write some beautiful words, but the story felt all over the place without real depth.

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was as if it would last forever.

Here I am, stepping away from my usual genres, again, but I really, really liked Mayluna! Yes, it had parts that were heartbreaking ... but it also had amazing and happy parts. The author has called it "A love story that is intensely tragic and yet hopeful" and I couldn't have said it better. (By the way, I loved Carter!! *swoon*)

Mayluna started in the summer when Evie was twenty-five. She was a columnist forging her career when she was able to nab a short interview with Carter Wills - the lead singer of Mayluna. It was a long-shot interview, which led to an almost cosmic connection with the enigmatic musician on the rise. It’s told in a partially retrospective, dual timeline, with multiple perspectives that all braid together at the end.

Such a great book!

Many thanks to both #LakeUnionPublishing and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Mayluna.

#KelleyMcNeil #StarCrossedLovers

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mayluna has the essence of both 'Daisy Jones & the Six' and ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’.

Similar to 'Daisy Jones & the Six,' Mayluna delves into the dynamics of a rock band from years ago. Drawing parallels with 'Evelyn Hugo & her Seven Husbands,' the narrative explores the main female character harboring a secret from those closest to her. In this case, Evie kept her past hidden from her adult children until a memorable discovery prompts them to question what transpired. Mayluna unfolds its story with a confessional style.

However, as the story progressed, I found myself growing frustrated with Evie for keeping the secret that affected those around her the most. By the end of the book, my frustration extended to the entire situation. I've debated on my rating because while the writing was commendable, the story proved to be infuriating. So, for the story, I give it 2.5 stars, and for the writing, I’ll bump it up to 3 stars.

Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Amanda Leigh Cobb & Kevin Kemp
Length: 11H 13M

[Anna-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book I’ve ever read. Hands down.
♾️♾️♾️♾️ ⭐️
The beautiful writing, the deeply emotional love, the found family, the woven storyline… just EVERYTHING. I am heartbroken and sobbing writing this but the author also pieced my heart together in the last 5 pages to make it a little better.

The story starts off with a man (Carter) getting interviewed about a girl he loved, and also a woman (Evie) telling her children about her past. THEN most of the book is spent starting in 1998 about Evie being a journalist for the music industry and interviewing this small band called Mayluna. She then tells the story of how the lead singer, Carter,
and her grew their love. It was such a beautiful love to watch grow. I just am obsessed with them and their band.

Warning: you WILL cry.. over and over again BUT it’s so worth it. Knowing this story and reading it was worth all of my tears.

This book took a little piece of my heart happily because it is now forever engrained in my memory.