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Maestro
For some, first love is a fleeting spark heralding the greater loves to come. For others, first love is the greatest love. The only love.
When a music audition at the world-renowned LaGuardia Arts High School brings together two thirteen-year-olds, unassuming Aurelia Ramirez Preston and confident Chadwick David, the serendipitous encounter becomes an unbreakable friendship.
A friendship develops into an unyielding love—a love spanning decades and continents.
With New York City as their playground, best friends Chad and Aurelia navigate the turbulence of adolescence. They blossom, and so does their love. An awkward first date turns into a night of intoxicating kisses and together, they lose their innocence.
Years later, Chad is “Maestro,” the tattooed virtuoso, the James Dean of classical music.
And Aurelia is an accomplished cellist. His muse. The enduring love behind his greatness.
But when the maestro falters, even for a moment, the most beautiful symphony can spiral into unrelenting chaos. And the greatest of loves can become the most tragic heartbreak.
Maestro is a symphony of words, four movements filled with longing, secrets, betrayal, and the grace of forgiveness.
When a music audition at the world-renowned LaGuardia Arts High School brings together two thirteen-year-olds, unassuming Aurelia Ramirez Preston and confident Chadwick David, the serendipitous encounter becomes an unbreakable friendship.
A friendship develops into an unyielding love—a love spanning decades and continents.
With New York City as their playground, best friends Chad and Aurelia navigate the turbulence of adolescence. They blossom, and so does their love. An awkward first date turns into a night of intoxicating kisses and together, they lose their innocence.
Years later, Chad is “Maestro,” the tattooed virtuoso, the James Dean of classical music.
And Aurelia is an accomplished cellist. His muse. The enduring love behind his greatness.
But when the maestro falters, even for a moment, the most beautiful symphony can spiral into unrelenting chaos. And the greatest of loves can become the most tragic heartbreak.
Maestro is a symphony of words, four movements filled with longing, secrets, betrayal, and the grace of forgiveness.
21 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 4, 2023
1433 people are currently reading
14227 people want to read
About the author
Auden Dar
8 books1,176 followersA former A&R music executive, Auden Dar aspires to create the perfectly imperfect book boyfriend. Besides her family and erotic romance, Auden's other passions include music, foreign films, stalking bulldogs, and learning how to cook like Nigella Lawson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,338 reviews
November 16, 2022
LIVE: https://amzn.to/3C6g1wq
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Maestro An epic saga about the legendary tatted conductor, violinist & composer Chad David & the girl who loved him through it all.
Maestro is a journey of two musical prodigies Chadwick and Aurelia from adolescents through all their firsts and beyond. Set in New York their story spans decades as these two star-crossed lovers take the world by storm while being struck by life’s set-backs, betrayals & could-have-beens.
Story is driven by the legend-in-the-making maestro Chad David as he grows into the man he was destined to become. Center of his universe, yet often on the outside looking in, is his Aurelia and her unwavering love for her Chad.
Partially based on a true story, lyrically told I wept for the years lost, dreams crushed, but most of all for the man caught behind the legend.
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Beta copies provided to me by author Auden Dar in exchange for an honest review.
LIVE: https://amzn.to/3C6g1wq
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Maestro An epic saga about the legendary tatted conductor, violinist & composer Chad David & the girl who loved him through it all.
“For some, a first love is a fleeting spark echoing the greater loves to come. For others, a first love is the only love. The greatest love.”
Maestro is a journey of two musical prodigies Chadwick and Aurelia from adolescents through all their firsts and beyond. Set in New York their story spans decades as these two star-crossed lovers take the world by storm while being struck by life’s set-backs, betrayals & could-have-beens.
Story is driven by the legend-in-the-making maestro Chad David as he grows into the man he was destined to become. Center of his universe, yet often on the outside looking in, is his Aurelia and her unwavering love for her Chad.
Partially based on a true story, lyrically told I wept for the years lost, dreams crushed, but most of all for the man caught behind the legend.
“The boy I gave all my firsts to. The boy who not only captured my heart but also became a master at breaking it.”
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | HIGH FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Beta copies provided to me by author Auden Dar in exchange for an honest review.
LIVE: https://amzn.to/3C6g1wq
December 18, 2022
This has been popping up all over the place!! #Oneclicked and HOLY SHIT this is LONG!! See you christmas time!!
I’m going to need therapy after this book, these two are literally soul mates but so many outside influences kept them apart, I’ve cried, raged, cursed the author, part of me is scared that their HEA eludes them forever, It would make it so much easier if he was an asshole or her a bitch, but these two are so likeable, the sweetest kindest people, who love each other unashamedly. Best friends, to so much more. On again, off again and all the hurt in between.
And finally I finished.
Two days of reading 😓 Goodbye weekend and hello red eyes from crying. This book wrecked me, the author played with my emotions like a yo-yo without a care in the world 😩 it destroyed me, everything this author threw into this book, I felt and that is why it deserves to be one of my top 2022 reads!
I’m going to need therapy after this book, these two are literally soul mates but so many outside influences kept them apart, I’ve cried, raged, cursed the author, part of me is scared that their HEA eludes them forever, It would make it so much easier if he was an asshole or her a bitch, but these two are so likeable, the sweetest kindest people, who love each other unashamedly. Best friends, to so much more. On again, off again and all the hurt in between.
And finally I finished.
Two days of reading 😓 Goodbye weekend and hello red eyes from crying. This book wrecked me, the author played with my emotions like a yo-yo without a care in the world 😩 it destroyed me, everything this author threw into this book, I felt and that is why it deserves to be one of my top 2022 reads!
do-not-read-cheating
November 2, 2023SPOILERS
.
.
.
.
The H sleeps with OW when he thinks the h is with OM. She wasn’t
The OW ends up pregnant. He marries OW because she threatens to have an abortion. Idiot H should’ve had a paternity test done 🤦🏻♀️
The h attends H and OW’s wedding. Heartbroken of course
Years pass. The h is officially with OM. The H and OW never share a bed anymore but he sleeps with other women
H finds out the kid isn’t his 🤦🏻♀️ and the H and h reconnect
More spoilers in the comments of Jena’s review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
.
.
.
.
The H sleeps with OW when he thinks the h is with OM. She wasn’t
The OW ends up pregnant. He marries OW because she threatens to have an abortion. Idiot H should’ve had a paternity test done 🤦🏻♀️
The h attends H and OW’s wedding. Heartbroken of course
Years pass. The h is officially with OM. The H and OW never share a bed anymore but he sleeps with other women
H finds out the kid isn’t his 🤦🏻♀️ and the H and h reconnect
More spoilers in the comments of Jena’s review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 14, 2026
2.75 ⭐️
This review is liable to change because to be quite honest i don’t know how i feel about this book. Was the storyline addicting? Yes. Was it angsty? Yes. But while those things may be true, there were times where the characters didn’t act the age they were said to be. One minute you’d have this beautiful paragraph about love and life and the next the FMC would say something that would make me think, “wait, aren’t you in your late 20’s? Why are you speaking like a teenager?” and it was a bit repetitive. I didn’t hate it though, but i don’t love it either? And it wasn’t quite like? I wanted to love it.
This review is liable to change because to be quite honest i don’t know how i feel about this book. Was the storyline addicting? Yes. Was it angsty? Yes. But while those things may be true, there were times where the characters didn’t act the age they were said to be. One minute you’d have this beautiful paragraph about love and life and the next the FMC would say something that would make me think, “wait, aren’t you in your late 20’s? Why are you speaking like a teenager?” and it was a bit repetitive. I didn’t hate it though, but i don’t love it either? And it wasn’t quite like? I wanted to love it.
January 1, 2023
***** 5 stars *****
Raw, visceral, brutal, overwhelming and beautiful.
Maestro was excruciatingly painful.
I honestly think it was too much. Too much angst. But it's the most compelling and moving love story I've read this year after The Heart Rate of a Mouse.
So, I'm rating this book with my gut, even thinking the author overdosed on the angst.
Five stars:
for the outstanding musical aspect,
for character development in general,
for the tears I shed,
and for the agony it put me through in the last 48 hours.
About the cover:
I can't stand this cover now that I've read this book. It's deceiving, making readers think this is the usual ordinary #smut#lovestory. Sadly, the pretty face/nice chest don't give the story enough credit or justice.
Not for the faint-hearted. I also recommend reading spoilers to avoid disappointments.
September 24, 2025
5 star because it gave me all the angsty pain I love, 2 stars for how far fetched some elements were. If you love having your heart torn out and put back together then this is for you. This is can't eat, cant sleep, up until 2am angst.
avoid
December 15, 2022Avoid. Cheating.
Esther had spoilers, read the comments.
- just read that H married someone else.Not for me.
Esther had spoilers, read the comments.
- just read that H married someone else.Not for me.
November 16, 2022
The Maestro is finally here!!! This is one of the most stunningly beautiful books I’ve ever read. It’s an epic tale of first love that spans decades. I was pulled in from the beginning and soon it was as though I were experiencing all the angst and heartache that these characters experienced.
There is no way to break this book down and I’m struggling to review it because I cannot find the words to express myself. This is often the case when a book moves me as much as this one has. Aurelia and Chad own my heart and reading their story with all their struggles, both individually, as friends, and then as a couple, had me yelling, cheering and crying.
This author creates a stunning story with words that flow in such a rich melody that I felt them move through me even as the music of the story moves. Each of the characters within this book are well developed and help carry the storyline that runs throughout years. Be warned that this has a true to life feel, so you won’t find it filled with hearts and flowers. What you will find is a hero and heroine who are sworn to be there for each other despite what the world has served up for them.
This book has imprinted itself on my heart to the point I will remember the feel of this long after the last page is turned. I highly recommend this if you love stories filled with emotion, sizzling heat, and heart breaking angst.
Mostly heroine POV with a few from the hero
Message me if you need safety and/or trigger warnings
There is no way to break this book down and I’m struggling to review it because I cannot find the words to express myself. This is often the case when a book moves me as much as this one has. Aurelia and Chad own my heart and reading their story with all their struggles, both individually, as friends, and then as a couple, had me yelling, cheering and crying.
This author creates a stunning story with words that flow in such a rich melody that I felt them move through me even as the music of the story moves. Each of the characters within this book are well developed and help carry the storyline that runs throughout years. Be warned that this has a true to life feel, so you won’t find it filled with hearts and flowers. What you will find is a hero and heroine who are sworn to be there for each other despite what the world has served up for them.
This book has imprinted itself on my heart to the point I will remember the feel of this long after the last page is turned. I highly recommend this if you love stories filled with emotion, sizzling heat, and heart breaking angst.
Mostly heroine POV with a few from the hero
Message me if you need safety and/or trigger warnings
March 27, 2024
My first book by this author, and I just LOVED the angst! It's a frustrating ride for SURE but so worth it. I felt like this was a very character-rich story and I loved getting sucked up in it. IT'S A THICC BOY. Be prepared for a slow, torturous journey. Great for fans of right person, wrong time or love that hurts a little before it feels good. :)
July 31, 2025
Reread AGAIN and still every bit as amazing as the first time I read it. This is one of those books you never forget.
***
EPICALLY AMAZING. Go read this book! Like right now! Stop what you are doing and run to Amazon, lol.
It's not often a book wows me like this one did, and I already know it will stay with me forever. What an accomplished, well-written, engrossing romance. This book CONSUMED me, to the point I couldn't even sleep because it kept playing out in my head. It was angsty AF and it had me tied into knots and screaming at my Kindle.
I adored the relationship between Chad and Aurelia and I loved how detailed the author was in showing us the progression of their connection from the time they were thirteen into adulthood. It's a thick book but those are the kind I love because they don't skimp on character, plot or romance development. I hated how so many people intervened and conspired to keep them apart. My heart physically hurt for both of them and I wanted to unalive one character so bad. I absolutely adored all the musical references and scenes and it truly brought the book to life for me.
It was a little predictable, but that's only because it's so hard to surprise me anymore. It didn't dent my enjoyment at all. I wish the stuff that came out at the end about Gabriel had been explored more as it's an important topic and I would have liked to see justice done.
But overall I absolutely FLOVED this book. It's as if the author wrote it especially for me! I crave these kind of emotional angsty books. The ones that are magical and speak to my soul. Maestro is that book for me. Definitely in my Top 5 for 2022 and it may even snag the #1 spot.
Exceptional storytelling. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Free in KU right now.
***
EPICALLY AMAZING. Go read this book! Like right now! Stop what you are doing and run to Amazon, lol.
It's not often a book wows me like this one did, and I already know it will stay with me forever. What an accomplished, well-written, engrossing romance. This book CONSUMED me, to the point I couldn't even sleep because it kept playing out in my head. It was angsty AF and it had me tied into knots and screaming at my Kindle.
I adored the relationship between Chad and Aurelia and I loved how detailed the author was in showing us the progression of their connection from the time they were thirteen into adulthood. It's a thick book but those are the kind I love because they don't skimp on character, plot or romance development. I hated how so many people intervened and conspired to keep them apart. My heart physically hurt for both of them and I wanted to unalive one character so bad. I absolutely adored all the musical references and scenes and it truly brought the book to life for me.
It was a little predictable, but that's only because it's so hard to surprise me anymore. It didn't dent my enjoyment at all. I wish the stuff that came out at the end about Gabriel had been explored more as it's an important topic and I would have liked to see justice done.
But overall I absolutely FLOVED this book. It's as if the author wrote it especially for me! I crave these kind of emotional angsty books. The ones that are magical and speak to my soul. Maestro is that book for me. Definitely in my Top 5 for 2022 and it may even snag the #1 spot.
Exceptional storytelling. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Free in KU right now.
November 16, 2022
2.5 stars
Wasn’t a fan of either the hero or heroine. Too wishy-washy for my tastes. All they did was hurt each other - and other people - along the way to the end of the book. By about 70% I just didn’t care about them or this long drawn out story, and all I could think about was if I were the heroine, I would have cut all ties with the passive hero, and found myself someone who was worth risking the world for 🤷🏻♀️
Wasn’t a fan of either the hero or heroine. Too wishy-washy for my tastes. All they did was hurt each other - and other people - along the way to the end of the book. By about 70% I just didn’t care about them or this long drawn out story, and all I could think about was if I were the heroine, I would have cut all ties with the passive hero, and found myself someone who was worth risking the world for 🤷🏻♀️
May 10, 2023
What an absolute waste of time. What kind of moron marries a girl because she's supposedly pregnant with his baby and doesn't immediately get a paternity test when the baby is born?
THIS DUMPSTER FIRE IS OVER 700 PAGES!
And I endured almost 500 of them before looking up the spoilers and moving on with my life. Bullshit after bullshit reason why the H and h can't be together. Whoever recommended this to me needs punched square in the nose.
THIS DUMPSTER FIRE IS OVER 700 PAGES!
And I endured almost 500 of them before looking up the spoilers and moving on with my life. Bullshit after bullshit reason why the H and h can't be together. Whoever recommended this to me needs punched square in the nose.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
The only thing that comes on my mind regarding Maestro is: dragging.
I was expecting much more drama. But sadly just a very elaborate detail of every events. Plus the characters seem stuck. There is no major character development.
Miss Dar can make the story much more interesting. Not entirely bad though.
3 stars
I was expecting much more drama. But sadly just a very elaborate detail of every events. Plus the characters seem stuck. There is no major character development.
Miss Dar can make the story much more interesting. Not entirely bad though.
3 stars
December 18, 2025
This is a story of true love that spans decades and triumphs over all life throws at them ❤️
I want to start out by saying that I hate that I started this while being in an AWFUL reading slump and in a terrible mood because of that lol. I do feel like this affected my reading experience a little.
I also want to say that before I started this, I had heard that the MMC doesn’t grovel enough at the end or that the HEA isn’t good enough. Because of this, I went in thinking the MMC was going to be some kind of prick and I’d be fighting to not hate him. It made me distrustful of his character from the get-go. I wish more than anything that I didn’t have this mindset going in because I think it ruined this a little bit for me because I was living in fear that I would end up hating him. If you’ve also heard this, fear not—it’s absolutely not true. The MMC has absolutely NOTHING to grovel for. He ADORED the FMC with every fiber of his being and has since the moment he met her at 13 years old. I don’t want this to negatively impact anyone else’s reading experience going in, so it was important to me that I said this. I hated that I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop with him. I also thought the HEA was perfect and was everything I wanted it to be!!
Now moving on…
Firstly, the anger I felt towards certain people in this book….
It truly broke my heart that the selfishness of other people played such a MASSIVE role in the damage done to the main characters’ relationship over the years. Like it was heart-wrenching…. I wasn’t expecting that going into this. I was expecting a lot more toxicity between the main characters and it didn’t feel like that (in a good way). Their love felt so pure from start to finish.
I think by the end of this, Chad & Aurelia were victims of their own circumstances and situations and how the people in their lives manipulated things. It’s a wonder how they managed to always come back together after being pulled apart. I guess it goes to show, that true love really can conquer all if you want it badly enough, if you never stop fighting for it.
As much as the choices made by the main characters frustrated me at times, I really respect how both of them ALWAYS tried to do right by one another, even when making a hard decision ended up hurting the other. But yeah, it was frustratinggggggg. Aurelia around the 40-50% mark really tested my patience with her choices lol.
They both are good, honest, loving people and I really loved that about this. They were so forgiving and patient with each other and other people.
I also really liked that this book showed how generational trauma heavily impacts how we perceive love, relationships, ourselves…. Both of our main characters are victims of this and hurt me to see them hurt themselves and their relationship at times because of what they learned, saw, or were told growing up.
Because this book spans decades, I genuinely felt like I grew up with them and experienced their entire lives and everything they went through along with them. You see them go through and achieve so much and I really enjoyed that.
The only (mostly personal) issues I had with this was obviously the one I mentioned in the beginning of this review and that wasn’t the books fault.
The second was that there were times I felt a little disconnected from the writing/story. There was truly nothing wrong with it, so this is again, a personal thing. I just feel like in the recent months, I’ve been so weirdly finicky about the writing I connect to. It doesn’t have anything to do with it being poetic or not, I just feel like I either feel an immediate intimate connection with the writing or I don’t. It doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just is what it is. I can’t even explain it😂 I think that made it hard for me to be obsessed with this.
I think I also went into this with the expectation that I was going to be literally shattered & crying the whole way through, and I wasn’t. I did cry a little, maybe 2-3 different times, but that was different than the expectation I had that I would be crying from start to finish without stopping LOL. There were many happy times that we get throughout the book, it is definitely not sad all the time. However, because of the prologue, I do think the undercurrent is always sad, regardless of how happy they are in the book currently. You’re going to feel anxious the whole way through wondering how they even get to where they are in the present.
Lastly, I think there are elements to this that felt far fetched at times, which bothered me a little.
Because of these reasons, I really struggled with what to rate this (and am still struggling lol). I keep going back and forth about it. I think for a while I was thinking it was more like around a 3.5, but then I felt like it was higher the more I got the full story. Idk lol. I slept on this for like 3 days now and I’m still unsure so this likely won’t be the last time this rating changes. Sorry😂😭
Overall, I don’t think this is perfect, but I do think so many of you out there will absolutely LOVE this ❤️
I want to start out by saying that I hate that I started this while being in an AWFUL reading slump and in a terrible mood because of that lol. I do feel like this affected my reading experience a little.
I also want to say that before I started this, I had heard that the MMC doesn’t grovel enough at the end or that the HEA isn’t good enough. Because of this, I went in thinking the MMC was going to be some kind of prick and I’d be fighting to not hate him. It made me distrustful of his character from the get-go. I wish more than anything that I didn’t have this mindset going in because I think it ruined this a little bit for me because I was living in fear that I would end up hating him. If you’ve also heard this, fear not—it’s absolutely not true. The MMC has absolutely NOTHING to grovel for. He ADORED the FMC with every fiber of his being and has since the moment he met her at 13 years old. I don’t want this to negatively impact anyone else’s reading experience going in, so it was important to me that I said this. I hated that I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop with him. I also thought the HEA was perfect and was everything I wanted it to be!!
Now moving on…
Firstly, the anger I felt towards certain people in this book….
It truly broke my heart that the selfishness of other people played such a MASSIVE role in the damage done to the main characters’ relationship over the years. Like it was heart-wrenching…. I wasn’t expecting that going into this. I was expecting a lot more toxicity between the main characters and it didn’t feel like that (in a good way). Their love felt so pure from start to finish.
I think by the end of this, Chad & Aurelia were victims of their own circumstances and situations and how the people in their lives manipulated things. It’s a wonder how they managed to always come back together after being pulled apart. I guess it goes to show, that true love really can conquer all if you want it badly enough, if you never stop fighting for it.
As much as the choices made by the main characters frustrated me at times, I really respect how both of them ALWAYS tried to do right by one another, even when making a hard decision ended up hurting the other. But yeah, it was frustratinggggggg. Aurelia around the 40-50% mark really tested my patience with her choices lol.
They both are good, honest, loving people and I really loved that about this. They were so forgiving and patient with each other and other people.
I also really liked that this book showed how generational trauma heavily impacts how we perceive love, relationships, ourselves…. Both of our main characters are victims of this and hurt me to see them hurt themselves and their relationship at times because of what they learned, saw, or were told growing up.
Because this book spans decades, I genuinely felt like I grew up with them and experienced their entire lives and everything they went through along with them. You see them go through and achieve so much and I really enjoyed that.
The only (mostly personal) issues I had with this was obviously the one I mentioned in the beginning of this review and that wasn’t the books fault.
The second was that there were times I felt a little disconnected from the writing/story. There was truly nothing wrong with it, so this is again, a personal thing. I just feel like in the recent months, I’ve been so weirdly finicky about the writing I connect to. It doesn’t have anything to do with it being poetic or not, I just feel like I either feel an immediate intimate connection with the writing or I don’t. It doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just is what it is. I can’t even explain it😂 I think that made it hard for me to be obsessed with this.
I think I also went into this with the expectation that I was going to be literally shattered & crying the whole way through, and I wasn’t. I did cry a little, maybe 2-3 different times, but that was different than the expectation I had that I would be crying from start to finish without stopping LOL. There were many happy times that we get throughout the book, it is definitely not sad all the time. However, because of the prologue, I do think the undercurrent is always sad, regardless of how happy they are in the book currently. You’re going to feel anxious the whole way through wondering how they even get to where they are in the present.
Lastly, I think there are elements to this that felt far fetched at times, which bothered me a little.
Because of these reasons, I really struggled with what to rate this (and am still struggling lol). I keep going back and forth about it. I think for a while I was thinking it was more like around a 3.5, but then I felt like it was higher the more I got the full story. Idk lol. I slept on this for like 3 days now and I’m still unsure so this likely won’t be the last time this rating changes. Sorry😂😭
Overall, I don’t think this is perfect, but I do think so many of you out there will absolutely LOVE this ❤️
November 27, 2022
Coming from a culture which breathes music, produces more music than the entire world combined, and being a hardcore classical Indian music lover, this book holds a special meaning to me. from the first moment a child enters the world till it dies, every moment, every occasion is celebrated or mourned in musical sentiments in my culture, so i could identify with this books theme more than everybody else.
"Chadwick David. Music’s Savior. The Maestro. World-renowned Adonis of classical music. James Dean with a Stradivarius"
Classical music is like a centrifugal force that pulls everything in its vortex, as a true testament is this ravishing story that will sweep you off your feet, into a parallel universe.
Auden gives us a spellbinding story of love spanning ages, times, years, decades, aches & pains and all.
"A symphony is like a love affair. It’s a journey that takes your heart to many places. "
Carrying the flavour of Great Expectations Chadwick & Aurelia are such star-crossed, ill-fated lovers that are meant for each other, but peripheral forces come to play in their blissful bubble and shatter it to pieces. The whole book goes by for readers picking out one shard at a time from their hearts. These characters become ours, their tears flow from our eyes, their pain and heartbreak wounds us.
"I wonder if falling in love with someone you can never have is better than not falling in love at all. "
Steeped in angsty tears on every paige, the ballad of yearning hearts resonated all throughout. You cannot excape the reverberation, you cannot come out untouched, you cannot ever forgive this story. Successfully combining passion and pain, this is not just a book, it's a bare-footed pilgrimage into the ruins of broken hearts. You will feel every sharp emotion in your soul.
“Yes, I broke your heart. But you broke all of me."
I'm ruined and restored but the painful howls and my tears were totally worth it.
It frustrated me too....SO MUCH!! Aurelia's insecurities were real but I still had this uncontrollable urge to shake her up to break her out of this addiction of Self harm.
Chadwick David is not only a genius musician, he's also perfect hero in every sense of the word.
Priscilla & Agnes saved the day though.
Thank you Auden for crafting this melodious saga. I'm still hungover.....
4.5 stars for unbearable Love Pangs
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"Chadwick David. Music’s Savior. The Maestro. World-renowned Adonis of classical music. James Dean with a Stradivarius"
Classical music is like a centrifugal force that pulls everything in its vortex, as a true testament is this ravishing story that will sweep you off your feet, into a parallel universe.
Auden gives us a spellbinding story of love spanning ages, times, years, decades, aches & pains and all.
"A symphony is like a love affair. It’s a journey that takes your heart to many places. "
Carrying the flavour of Great Expectations Chadwick & Aurelia are such star-crossed, ill-fated lovers that are meant for each other, but peripheral forces come to play in their blissful bubble and shatter it to pieces. The whole book goes by for readers picking out one shard at a time from their hearts. These characters become ours, their tears flow from our eyes, their pain and heartbreak wounds us.
"I wonder if falling in love with someone you can never have is better than not falling in love at all. "
Steeped in angsty tears on every paige, the ballad of yearning hearts resonated all throughout. You cannot excape the reverberation, you cannot come out untouched, you cannot ever forgive this story. Successfully combining passion and pain, this is not just a book, it's a bare-footed pilgrimage into the ruins of broken hearts. You will feel every sharp emotion in your soul.
“Yes, I broke your heart. But you broke all of me."
I'm ruined and restored but the painful howls and my tears were totally worth it.
It frustrated me too....SO MUCH!! Aurelia's insecurities were real but I still had this uncontrollable urge to shake her up to break her out of this addiction of Self harm.
Chadwick David is not only a genius musician, he's also perfect hero in every sense of the word.
Priscilla & Agnes saved the day though.
Thank you Auden for crafting this melodious saga. I'm still hungover.....
4.5 stars for unbearable Love Pangs
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January 6, 2023
One of the most annoying and exhausting books I've read.
First, if I were the editor of the book I would shorten it by half if not more. The plot repeated itself again and again and again. Countless paragraphs and whole chapters of thoughts and self-pity of the heroes, and especially of the heroine.
The words "broken heart" and "love" appeared far too much in the text.
The protagonists themselves are two completely spineless people who let everyone around them manipulatively manage their lives, without making the slightest effort to take the initiative to manage themselves. They believed everyone and everything that was thrown in their direction and let their lives pass as helpless victims.
Lies and half-truths between the protagonists throughout the story define the plot which becomes more and more irritating as the chapters and years pass.
I think that a real relationship is so strong that it conquers everything, that all cards are open in it. If one of the spouses hides and lies in order not to hurt the other party, he simply towers over him, disrespects him and disrespects love and the relationship itself.
At the end of the book, I felt so tired from the troubles that the author decided to burden the story with, so even the happy ending failed to convince me.
First, if I were the editor of the book I would shorten it by half if not more. The plot repeated itself again and again and again. Countless paragraphs and whole chapters of thoughts and self-pity of the heroes, and especially of the heroine.
The words "broken heart" and "love" appeared far too much in the text.
The protagonists themselves are two completely spineless people who let everyone around them manipulatively manage their lives, without making the slightest effort to take the initiative to manage themselves. They believed everyone and everything that was thrown in their direction and let their lives pass as helpless victims.
Lies and half-truths between the protagonists throughout the story define the plot which becomes more and more irritating as the chapters and years pass.
I think that a real relationship is so strong that it conquers everything, that all cards are open in it. If one of the spouses hides and lies in order not to hurt the other party, he simply towers over him, disrespects him and disrespects love and the relationship itself.
At the end of the book, I felt so tired from the troubles that the author decided to burden the story with, so even the happy ending failed to convince me.
December 25, 2022
4.25 stars**
December 3, 2025
5 love conquers all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love is a symphony and you must be the maestro of it and some times your first love is the only love. This is an epic love story, it’s not a romance❤️❤️🩹
The book is written as a symphony, in four parts in Maestro’s own words.
The unfolding of friendship
The end of innocence
The quiet tragedies and triumphs
The grace of forgiveness 🫶
This is really a heartbreaking and healing story, it grabbed me from page one. I did need to take a break at times which is very rare for me, but the intensity required me to put it away to marinate on it.
It’s starts with a devastating prologue happening in the present time, and then it goes straight back to 20 years in the past, when Aurelia and Chad first met. That is where we begin.
This created an unbelievable tension because we already knows what is going to happen in the future.
They met for the first time at an audition to go to a performing arts high school, they are both 13 years old,and their connection is instant. Soulmates, best friends ❤️
Chad is a child protege, from a loving home of privilege, he is very secure with strong emotions, and he loves Aurelia with a fierce passion. It is always Aurelia for him. Ambition is his curse.
Aurelia comes from a single parent home with a loving mom, but suffers from severe abandonment issues that she takes with her, and it influences a lot of bad decisions she will make during the cause of her life. There is a lot of generational trauma and projections from parents onto children, going on. Chad is her safe space and he is her true love and best friend. He coaxes her true self out, and helps her feel secure.
Their journey is consumed by a lot of love ❤️ and a lot of pain. Mistakes, insecurities and misunderstandings will tear them apart as well as their surroundings.
Their love and redemption is that they have an unselfish love, a love that transcends personal pain. They have a love without ego❤️
They are there for each other even when they hurt each other.
It is always going to be Chad and Aurelia, even though the world is trying to tear them apart.
I am not going to say I wasn’t exasperated with them at times! I was, both of them. I felt Aurelia was too passive at times but the ending explained it all🥰 I felt Chad wasn’t straightforward enough, but the ending explained it all again. They are flawed characters, not perfect, if you can’t accept flaws, this book will not be for you.
Listen this is hands down my best read in 2025. Is it an easy read ? No it’s not. It will make you think and it will make you feel. A lot.
I don’t want to spoil the story, please dm me if you have questions. It’s better to go in somewhat blind.
If you do start this book, I beg of you not to Dnf. It covers difficult situations and you might feel it’s too much, but the ending explains everything, it will make you understand and will ease your suffering.
If you have been in long term relationships, this story will resonate ❤️
Should you read it? YES you should.
Love is a symphony and you must be the maestro of it and some times your first love is the only love. This is an epic love story, it’s not a romance❤️❤️🩹
The book is written as a symphony, in four parts in Maestro’s own words.
The unfolding of friendship
The end of innocence
The quiet tragedies and triumphs
The grace of forgiveness 🫶
This is really a heartbreaking and healing story, it grabbed me from page one. I did need to take a break at times which is very rare for me, but the intensity required me to put it away to marinate on it.
It’s starts with a devastating prologue happening in the present time, and then it goes straight back to 20 years in the past, when Aurelia and Chad first met. That is where we begin.
This created an unbelievable tension because we already knows what is going to happen in the future.
They met for the first time at an audition to go to a performing arts high school, they are both 13 years old,and their connection is instant. Soulmates, best friends ❤️
Chad is a child protege, from a loving home of privilege, he is very secure with strong emotions, and he loves Aurelia with a fierce passion. It is always Aurelia for him. Ambition is his curse.
Aurelia comes from a single parent home with a loving mom, but suffers from severe abandonment issues that she takes with her, and it influences a lot of bad decisions she will make during the cause of her life. There is a lot of generational trauma and projections from parents onto children, going on. Chad is her safe space and he is her true love and best friend. He coaxes her true self out, and helps her feel secure.
Their journey is consumed by a lot of love ❤️ and a lot of pain. Mistakes, insecurities and misunderstandings will tear them apart as well as their surroundings.
Their love and redemption is that they have an unselfish love, a love that transcends personal pain. They have a love without ego❤️
They are there for each other even when they hurt each other.
It is always going to be Chad and Aurelia, even though the world is trying to tear them apart.
I am not going to say I wasn’t exasperated with them at times! I was, both of them. I felt Aurelia was too passive at times but the ending explained it all🥰 I felt Chad wasn’t straightforward enough, but the ending explained it all again. They are flawed characters, not perfect, if you can’t accept flaws, this book will not be for you.
Listen this is hands down my best read in 2025. Is it an easy read ? No it’s not. It will make you think and it will make you feel. A lot.
I don’t want to spoil the story, please dm me if you have questions. It’s better to go in somewhat blind.
If you do start this book, I beg of you not to Dnf. It covers difficult situations and you might feel it’s too much, but the ending explains everything, it will make you understand and will ease your suffering.
If you have been in long term relationships, this story will resonate ❤️
Should you read it? YES you should.
November 17, 2022
I’m at a loss for words that incapsulate my feelings about Maestro. To say I’m gobsmacked is putting it lightly. This story is deeply mesmerizing, it is set to a tune all its own.
I loved it immensely not only because of its personal undertones but for its profoundness and soul. A lyrical intricacy of words and music!
Enthralling characters written with depth and insight, Chad and Aurelia not only led me through highs and lows, angst and heartbreak, loss and grief but also through triumphs and success, understanding, sacrifices and forgiveness. Through it ALL there was steadfast love and devotion.
There were side characters that influenced so much of what they went through over the years some by manipulation others by providing steadfast support. They added to the reality of how life is not lived in isolation.
A love story unlike any other I have ever read pulling at my heartstrings and consuming my mind with its melodic soul. Auden Dar has orchestrated a beautifully crafted intricately detailed and moving masterpiece capturing my heart with awe and appreciation.
Not only is this a favorite of 2022 but one of my favorites of all time! Bravo Maestro Auden!
I loved it immensely not only because of its personal undertones but for its profoundness and soul. A lyrical intricacy of words and music!
Enthralling characters written with depth and insight, Chad and Aurelia not only led me through highs and lows, angst and heartbreak, loss and grief but also through triumphs and success, understanding, sacrifices and forgiveness. Through it ALL there was steadfast love and devotion.
There were side characters that influenced so much of what they went through over the years some by manipulation others by providing steadfast support. They added to the reality of how life is not lived in isolation.
A love story unlike any other I have ever read pulling at my heartstrings and consuming my mind with its melodic soul. Auden Dar has orchestrated a beautifully crafted intricately detailed and moving masterpiece capturing my heart with awe and appreciation.
Not only is this a favorite of 2022 but one of my favorites of all time! Bravo Maestro Auden!
November 23, 2022
As much as I enjoyed this book, I hate the message that it promotes - that if a woman has a so-called "great love", she should be willing to do anything, put up with anything, even her love choosing another woman over her, just so that she can continue to have him in her life.
February 26, 2023
ｃｈｅｃｋ ｏｕｔ ｍｙ ｂｏｏｋｓｔａｇｒａｍ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
Chad and Aurelia met as children before an audition at the LaGuardia School of Music and Arts, and immediately became inseparable. They grew up together… played together… and over the years their close friendship developed into a huge love. 🤍
An epic love story spanning three decades, of a man and a woman who love music… and each other… but which love is stronger? 🎻💙
📚 “Aurelia, you’re more than my forever friend. You’re more than my girlfriend. You are and will always be her. The person I love the most. No matter where we are in our lives, you’ll always be her.” 📚
I won't elaborate on the plot, because if I start I won't finish, and this book is damn long (775 pages) 😂
So I'll address my feelings instead…
Auden and I have been friends on social media for years. Although we have never met (yet 🤪) it feels like we've known each other forever. So when her book came out, I was afraid to read it. Afraid I wouldn't like it. So I started reading without telling her and… I'm so glad I gave it a chance, because it's one of those rare books that takes your breath away and leaves you feeling empty once you've finished! 😭🤍🙌
📚 “Even after all these years, you’re still like that Paganini piece. I can spend countless hours trying to decipher each note, construct it, but still find it the most complicated music to master." 📚
It wasn't just a book for me… these were real people I've known since they were kids. my best friends. The plot was so real, passionate and heartbreaking and I was there with them, every step of the way. 💙
The music (NSYNC forever!💪)… the background stories (do you remember where you were on 9/11?😱)… the emotions… the beautiful playlist… the writing was so poetic and unique, no doubt a lot of research and thought were put into every detail. 👑
I keep wondering how exhausted she felt after she finished writing this book…. I wonder if she buried her face in her hands and cried, because that's exactly what I did when I got to the end. 😭😭😭
Auden is a maestro of words!!! 🎻
📚 “You’re as essential as the air I breathe, the water I drink, the music I play. Without you, I’m barely breathing. Barely existing.” 📚
If you like fast-paced books, this is definitely NOT the book for you, It's not a book that should (or can) be read in one sitting. But if you want to experience an amazing journey of a once-in-a-lifetime love, this is THE BOOK for you… just get ready to laugh, cry, pull your hair out and probably throw some objects… because this book has ALL THE FEELS! 🤍💙
▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
September 15, 2023
WHO LIED AND SAID THIS WAS GOOD.
I want my TWO days back. Two DAYS I spent reading this never ending, dumpster fire of a “star crossed lovers” drama. Actually, “star crossed” is taking it too lightly. I think “GALAXY crossed lovers” depicts this book more accurately. The miscommunication / non communication in this book was so miserable to read.. I wanted to poke my eyes out. She DIDNT DESERVE HIM.
I have never in my life read a book with a WORSE FMC. She was a completely unhinged, insecure IDIOT. I literally screamed, “YOU DUMB BITCH” out loud no less than 10 times. SHE WAS A BRIDESMAID?? She went to the wedding?? She was the GODMOTHER. Nope. Nope. Idiot. Spineless. And she NEVER told him how she really felt inside. Her stupid internal monologue that she NEVER vocalized had me wanting to rip my hair out. You love someone SOOoOoOoOoO much but can’t even say how you feel about them…? EVER? She spent half the time either NOT answering his questions out loud (but oh don’t worry she ALWAYS was telling him how she felt in her head), staring at him, or pining after him.
This was the most unhinged, unrealistic, FAR FETCHED “romance” I have read. It makes the drama and back-and-forth in Magnolia Parks look like child play.
I didn’t DNF because there were a few mysteries I wanted solved, but guess what…. I saw them coming FROM a MILE AWAY. And they were also stupid and gross and so far fetched I literally laughed and skimmed through the last 3/4ths of this book.
Will never read again.
If you hate the miscommunication trope, stay AWAY from this book.
I want my TWO days back. Two DAYS I spent reading this never ending, dumpster fire of a “star crossed lovers” drama. Actually, “star crossed” is taking it too lightly. I think “GALAXY crossed lovers” depicts this book more accurately. The miscommunication / non communication in this book was so miserable to read.. I wanted to poke my eyes out. She DIDNT DESERVE HIM.
I have never in my life read a book with a WORSE FMC. She was a completely unhinged, insecure IDIOT. I literally screamed, “YOU DUMB BITCH” out loud no less than 10 times. SHE WAS A BRIDESMAID?? She went to the wedding?? She was the GODMOTHER. Nope. Nope. Idiot. Spineless. And she NEVER told him how she really felt inside. Her stupid internal monologue that she NEVER vocalized had me wanting to rip my hair out. You love someone SOOoOoOoOoO much but can’t even say how you feel about them…? EVER? She spent half the time either NOT answering his questions out loud (but oh don’t worry she ALWAYS was telling him how she felt in her head), staring at him, or pining after him.
This was the most unhinged, unrealistic, FAR FETCHED “romance” I have read. It makes the drama and back-and-forth in Magnolia Parks look like child play.
I didn’t DNF because there were a few mysteries I wanted solved, but guess what…. I saw them coming FROM a MILE AWAY. And they were also stupid and gross and so far fetched I literally laughed and skimmed through the last 3/4ths of this book.
Will never read again.
If you hate the miscommunication trope, stay AWAY from this book.
January 1, 2023
🤣🤡NOW we’re talking:
“You’re a fool, Aurelia,” she spits out.
“And you’re a fucking lying, conniving bitch,” I say, peering up. “No wonder Gabriel chose me.”
Sera’s hand flies toward my cheek. Somehow, I catch her wrist, twist it over, and slap her face with my other hand. “Sit the fuck down, Sera,” I glare at her, pointedly. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Aurelia - heroine
Sera - evil ow
Gabriel - om
“I’m pregnant,” Sera said. I gaped at a woman I barely knew, dumbfounded. “It’s yours, Chadwick,” she said, pulling out a sonogram photo from her bag. “I haven’t been with anyone but you.” I was so fucking drunk. That night with Sera was a blur. We went to dinner after she interviewed me for a follow-up article. We drank.”
…
“Either you marry me or I’ll have no choice but to get an abortion.”
…
“Six years—”
“We can be married only on paper. We’ll continue to live separately. ”
…
“You can’t disclose our arrangement to anyone,” Sera said immediately.”
…
“You’re a fool, Aurelia,” she spits out.
“And you’re a fucking lying, conniving bitch,” I say, peering up. “No wonder Gabriel chose me.”
Sera’s hand flies toward my cheek. Somehow, I catch her wrist, twist it over, and slap her face with my other hand. “Sit the fuck down, Sera,” I glare at her, pointedly. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Aurelia - heroine
Sera - evil ow
Gabriel - om
“I’m pregnant,” Sera said. I gaped at a woman I barely knew, dumbfounded. “It’s yours, Chadwick,” she said, pulling out a sonogram photo from her bag. “I haven’t been with anyone but you.” I was so fucking drunk. That night with Sera was a blur. We went to dinner after she interviewed me for a follow-up article. We drank.”
…
“Either you marry me or I’ll have no choice but to get an abortion.”
…
“Six years—”
“We can be married only on paper. We’ll continue to live separately. ”
…
“You can’t disclose our arrangement to anyone,” Sera said immediately.”
…
December 1, 2022
This was too tiring to read.
This book romanticizes that us women needs to pause our dreams for the sake of their “great love’s” dream.
Gabriel deserves way way More and was done dirty.
Aurelia is a Doormat who has constant body betraying syndrome and who’s thought process is Chad Chad Chad. Which was DISGUSTING since she clearly has dreams and talent for cello but instead she pines away for a boy🤢
Chad should forever be Alone. But at least he pursued his dream and became successful unlike Aurelia.
Sera can go rot in Hell.
This book romanticizes that us women needs to pause our dreams for the sake of their “great love’s” dream.
Gabriel deserves way way More and was done dirty.
Aurelia is a Doormat who has constant body betraying syndrome and who’s thought process is Chad Chad Chad. Which was DISGUSTING since she clearly has dreams and talent for cello but instead she pines away for a boy🤢
Chad should forever be Alone. But at least he pursued his dream and became successful unlike Aurelia.
Sera can go rot in Hell.
November 7, 2022
From the first line I was ensnared!
The details that only Auden Dar can bring to life in a book are pure magic! The way she weaves a romance can only be described as her being a Maestro herself.
I lost myself in this book.
I found myself in this book.
It’s truly a symphony from the heart.
A standing ovation for Maestro! 5+ stars!
The details that only Auden Dar can bring to life in a book are pure magic! The way she weaves a romance can only be described as her being a Maestro herself.
I lost myself in this book.
I found myself in this book.
It’s truly a symphony from the heart.
A standing ovation for Maestro! 5+ stars!
July 26, 2023
Incredible!!! I’m speechless.
June 28, 2023
WOW!.....This book completely gutted me over and over again. I must be a masochist because I enjoyed every minute of it. This book was a literal masterpiece. The emotions that this book puts you through is exactly what I crave. I cried and felt so much, people must think I'm crazy for willingly putting myself through this. I could not get enough. I wanted to keep reading this every minute of my day, but also knowing that meant the story would end was crushing. I loved Aurelia and Chad so much. This is definitely on my list of favorite books ever.
I'd really love that story about the twins and Cosima....
I'd really love that story about the twins and Cosima....
April 27, 2023
DNA test.
That it.
Otherwise, there was no reason for this shitshow.
Why do authors think readers are that dumb?
That it.
Otherwise, there was no reason for this shitshow.
Why do authors think readers are that dumb?
June 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Omfg!! This book destroyed me before ever so slowly piecing me back together just in time to obliterate me again. This book doesn’t fuck you up once, no it does it again and again for almost 600 pages. And it was fucking stunning!!
Aurelia and Chad meet at an audition for the “Fame” arts high school when they’re 13. From minute one they become the bestest of friends. They do everything together and when they’re apart they’re talking on the phone or online.
The chemistry was always there and it left Aurelia desperate to move to the next level but Chad is scared to change the good thing they’ve got. But they’d probably have an easier time changing the tides.
Both of them are musicians, she’s a cellist and he’s no doubt the best violinist of his generation. So the pressure to be the best gives him ultimatums. And that my friend is just the beginning of heartbreak. Not even the tip of the iceberg.
This book spans decades in which they come together before outside forces tear them apart.
You are gonna love and hate these characters equally. You’re also gonna adore their parents, so multidimensional, so loving and giving and just always having their children’s back no matter what. Even if those children don’t realize it.
You’re also gonna hate a few characters with a vengeance. I’m not gonna name names because you need to be on the edge of your seat to really enjoy this one. And trust me, your ass is gonna take a beating.
I felt rather bipolar because I wanted this book’s ending more than I wanted my next breath because I needed their HEA. But I freaking hated letting them go. I want more. I need it!
🌶️🌶️
Omfg!! This book destroyed me before ever so slowly piecing me back together just in time to obliterate me again. This book doesn’t fuck you up once, no it does it again and again for almost 600 pages. And it was fucking stunning!!
Aurelia and Chad meet at an audition for the “Fame” arts high school when they’re 13. From minute one they become the bestest of friends. They do everything together and when they’re apart they’re talking on the phone or online.
The chemistry was always there and it left Aurelia desperate to move to the next level but Chad is scared to change the good thing they’ve got. But they’d probably have an easier time changing the tides.
Both of them are musicians, she’s a cellist and he’s no doubt the best violinist of his generation. So the pressure to be the best gives him ultimatums. And that my friend is just the beginning of heartbreak. Not even the tip of the iceberg.
This book spans decades in which they come together before outside forces tear them apart.
You are gonna love and hate these characters equally. You’re also gonna adore their parents, so multidimensional, so loving and giving and just always having their children’s back no matter what. Even if those children don’t realize it.
You’re also gonna hate a few characters with a vengeance. I’m not gonna name names because you need to be on the edge of your seat to really enjoy this one. And trust me, your ass is gonna take a beating.
I felt rather bipolar because I wanted this book’s ending more than I wanted my next breath because I needed their HEA. But I freaking hated letting them go. I want more. I need it!
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