What do you think?
Rate this book
Stars #1
The Stars that Tremble
Giovanni Boca was destined to go down in history as an opera legend until a vocal chord injury abruptly ended his career. Now he teaches voice lessons at a prestigious New York City music school. During auditions for his summer opera workshop, he finds his protégé in fourteen-year-old Emma McPhee. Just as intriguing to Gio is Emma's father Mike, a blue-collar guy who runs a business renovating the kitchens and bathrooms of New York's elite to finance his daughter's dream.
Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life. Although Mike wonders if he can truly fit into Gio's upperclass world, their bond grows stronger. Then, trouble strikes from outside when the machinations of an unscrupulous stage mother threaten to tear Gio and Mike apart—and ruin Emma's bright future.
Mike’s partner was killed when Emma was a toddler, and Gio mourns the beautiful voice he will never have again, so coping with loss is something they have in common. Their initial physical attraction quickly grows to something more as each hopes to fill the gap that loss and grief has left in his life. Although Mike wonders if he can truly fit into Gio's upperclass world, their bond grows stronger. Then, trouble strikes from outside when the machinations of an unscrupulous stage mother threaten to tear Gio and Mike apart—and ruin Emma's bright future.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2013
4 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
63 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 17, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
THREE STARS--When decent plots seem to have potential and they fall short.
Kate McMurray's "The Stars that Tremble" is set in modern day NYC with an ex-opera singer music teacher/coach, Giovanni Boca discovering a promising music student in fourteen year old, Emma McPhee. Young Emma shows promise and wouldn't you know Emma is from a single parent home. She's being raised by her gay widowered, contractor father, Mike McPhee.
Mike comes from a blue collar/ military background (now owns his own construction/renovation company) and Giovanni is from the opera world which caters to the elite and cultured. Guess what kind of trope is delivered all throughout the story? Ding, ding, ding! Opposites Attract! It's slapped all over this story.
The men are attracted to one another immediately but I just did not buy the connection. It was dull from the start, so as the story progressed, the two supposedly fall deep for one another and I just didn't see it. Add in the numerous mentions of rich people being evil (there's even a rich bitch stage mom heading the crowd in this story, Tracy Quinlan), Mike complaining and worrying about his differences from the world he thinks he is not fit for, it left me wanting.
On a scale from 1-10 on drama factor, this story is about a two, on average. Now when you have a two drama factor, you don't expect much. But when the main characters are trying to stretch their two into higher than what it could ever be...there are problems.
What worked:
- The cover - I love that cover. And it befits the story pretty well.
- The NYC authenticity - I felt like I was in the city. Great job.
- Some of the secondary characters, namely Sandy and Emma. Sandy was a good best friend for Mike (mostly - towards the end I was getting a little annoyed with him) Overall, he's a friend you'd like to have. And Emma the fourteen year old prodigy - she wasn't annoying mostly. She acted age appropriate and seemed like a sweet kid.
- The opera history references - You know nothing about opera and it's history, you can find out interesting facts in "The Stars the Tremble", there's a lot of research that went into this book
What did not work:
- The opera history references - My goodness there's a LOT of opera history references. It's interesting maybe the first time but it's shoved down your throat and consumes this story. The opera references during the sex scene alone were not sexy. Perfectly good sex diminished by opera history! I get it, Gio is a musical artist but must he find music in everything? The opera music history was heavy handed and detracted from the story's point in my opinion. It was supposed to be a romance, right? Not feel so world music history textbook-ish. (I felt like I was back in class at times)
- The lackluster chemistry - Mike and Giovanni seemed like nice enough men. We learned a LOT about their background, so there is nothing left to question. However, the word vomit doesn't make them interesting. The chemistry or lack thereof was not believable from jump. They said the right words but I was not buying it. It was like reading two cardboard cutouts falling for one another.
- Reiteration, Repetition, Redundancy - This story was longer than necessary. When sandwiches are described in detail, room decoration tips are discussed in length, topics are discussed over and over and OVER again, I stopped caring. There was so much telling, not enough showing. A lot of the issues the men had could have been avoided if instead of talking about mundane areas...maybe talking about the items that counted. It would have shaved off about a quarter to a third of the book which I felt wasn't necessary to the story that tried to be told.
I had more good points than not so good...barely. The story is not a bad one. The ending was HEA with a realistic twist in regards to the issue that comes up with Tracy Quinlan. I think I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. I like teachers and parents of students romances. I wished we got to see more romance and less humdrum everyday life that did not add to the story.
I'm going to give this author a try in the future because the writing was not bad...nor that great but I see the potential.
THREE STARS--When decent plots seem to have potential and they fall short.
Kate McMurray's "The Stars that Tremble" is set in modern day NYC with an ex-opera singer music teacher/coach, Giovanni Boca discovering a promising music student in fourteen year old, Emma McPhee. Young Emma shows promise and wouldn't you know Emma is from a single parent home. She's being raised by her gay widowered, contractor father, Mike McPhee.
Mike comes from a blue collar/ military background (now owns his own construction/renovation company) and Giovanni is from the opera world which caters to the elite and cultured. Guess what kind of trope is delivered all throughout the story? Ding, ding, ding! Opposites Attract! It's slapped all over this story.
The men are attracted to one another immediately but I just did not buy the connection. It was dull from the start, so as the story progressed, the two supposedly fall deep for one another and I just didn't see it. Add in the numerous mentions of rich people being evil (there's even a rich bitch stage mom heading the crowd in this story, Tracy Quinlan), Mike complaining and worrying about his differences from the world he thinks he is not fit for, it left me wanting.
On a scale from 1-10 on drama factor, this story is about a two, on average. Now when you have a two drama factor, you don't expect much. But when the main characters are trying to stretch their two into higher than what it could ever be...there are problems.
What worked:
- The cover - I love that cover. And it befits the story pretty well.
- The NYC authenticity - I felt like I was in the city. Great job.
- Some of the secondary characters, namely Sandy and Emma. Sandy was a good best friend for Mike (mostly - towards the end I was getting a little annoyed with him) Overall, he's a friend you'd like to have. And Emma the fourteen year old prodigy - she wasn't annoying mostly. She acted age appropriate and seemed like a sweet kid.
- The opera history references - You know nothing about opera and it's history, you can find out interesting facts in "The Stars the Tremble", there's a lot of research that went into this book
What did not work:
- The opera history references - My goodness there's a LOT of opera history references. It's interesting maybe the first time but it's shoved down your throat and consumes this story. The opera references during the sex scene alone were not sexy. Perfectly good sex diminished by opera history! I get it, Gio is a musical artist but must he find music in everything? The opera music history was heavy handed and detracted from the story's point in my opinion. It was supposed to be a romance, right? Not feel so world music history textbook-ish. (I felt like I was back in class at times)
- The lackluster chemistry - Mike and Giovanni seemed like nice enough men. We learned a LOT about their background, so there is nothing left to question. However, the word vomit doesn't make them interesting. The chemistry or lack thereof was not believable from jump. They said the right words but I was not buying it. It was like reading two cardboard cutouts falling for one another.
- Reiteration, Repetition, Redundancy - This story was longer than necessary. When sandwiches are described in detail, room decoration tips are discussed in length, topics are discussed over and over and OVER again, I stopped caring. There was so much telling, not enough showing. A lot of the issues the men had could have been avoided if instead of talking about mundane areas...maybe talking about the items that counted. It would have shaved off about a quarter to a third of the book which I felt wasn't necessary to the story that tried to be told.
I had more good points than not so good...barely. The story is not a bad one. The ending was HEA with a realistic twist in regards to the issue that comes up with Tracy Quinlan. I think I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. I like teachers and parents of students romances. I wished we got to see more romance and less humdrum everyday life that did not add to the story.
I'm going to give this author a try in the future because the writing was not bad...nor that great but I see the potential.
May 31, 2016
Giovanni Boca was a star. His voice brought the house down and the people to their feet. Then his voice failed him. Now he’s a teacher, spending his time molding the next round of operatic stars.
Mike McPhee was loved. Together with his husband, Evan, Mike adopted the beautiful baby girl, Emma. Then an act of heroics cost Evan his life, Mike his husband, and a future that they had planned together. Now Mike’s whole world is his daughter, whose voice is catching the attention of a certain Italian operatic teacher.
Gio and Mike have experienced the highs of life, and its lowest depths. Having already once grasped the stars, and plummeted back to earth, do they dare to reach again? Can they find the sweetest of music in the whisper of skin and the sigh inside the other’s lips? And will they be willing to fight so that they can keep the stars they find trembling within their hands?
This book was a pure pleasure to read. There was a wonderful sense of rhythm in this story. A subtle lyrical quality that fits perfectly with the plot and the stars that stud it. Gio, in all his sexy Italian glory, lends the story an exotic flair with all that beautiful Italian language and mannerisms. I may only remember a few words from my semester of Italian, way way back, but I’ve always found the language beautiful–even if I sound down-right ridiculous when I try to speak it. I love it when authors are capable of giving voice to a foreign language but not have those words interrupt the flow of the story. Here, you get the feel of the Italian, of the power and simple beauty, without having to scramble over to google-translate. Most times we are given hints as to what has been said, and even when it is left undisclosed you can guess at the meaning. But no matter, the feeling and the intent is clear.
It is clear from the beginning that Mike and Geo are going to be unable to keep their hands off each other. Even when they try. Even when they know that it could come back to bite them in the ass. But there was real chemistry between these two. Not just because they found the other attractive, but because they could see in the other the same sense of loss, of darkness and pain, that they have within themselves. It is this knowing, though the flavor of pain experienced was different, that made them perfect together. And god, those sex scenes where both incredibly hot and extremely beautiful. I love the use of music, and music theory, as a background to describe what was going on between them. Loved that it made the sex into something unique to the story, and not just another kiss-this, lick-that, put-that-there formulaic bedroom scene.
I might not know a lot (or anything) about Opera, but this story worked with that lack of knowledge very well. I felt both challenged to learn, to gain something from the musical background of the story, but also felt that if I didn’t know the exact meaning of every term, or phrase, it wasn’t the end of the world. You could clearly tell that the author knew what she was writing about–or could at least fool me into believing it. It made this story more real, this feeling that Gio knows intimately the things that he is talking about. And it made Mike’s struggle to find a place in Gio and Emma’s world, relatable.
I honestly can’t find too much to criticize in this book. The characters actually talk when they have issues. They don’t keep secrets. They strive to find a way to make this relationship work–but are fully aware of just how badly it could go. This isn’t a story full of fluff, but neither is it covered in angst. Everything is balanced out, so that the tension is there, but it never feels too rough, or too cliché. You honestly don’t know if there is going to be a happy-ever-after, but you sure do hope so. This is what I crave from stories, but so rarely find. That rare balance of hope and heartbreak, of sweet music and beats of discord–mixed together to create something worth reading. And something worth remembering.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
February 4, 2020
Mike's 14-yr-old daughter Emma has been blessed with a gorgeous voice and is selected to attend an opera workshop taught by Giovanni Boca, who lost his gorgeous operatic voice and now teaches. Mike struggles with the loss of his partner Evan over 10 years ago. I loved the theme of new beginnings in the midst of loss, as Gio and Mike find each other and start to build a relationship and family. The villain of the piece was a bit too cartoonish but the story really held my interest and I loved the ending.
I received a copy of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I received a copy of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 11, 2018
RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Giovanni ha perso la sua voce e la possibilità di fare musica come ha sempre fatto fin dall'infanzia su un palco, dando forma alla musica con la sua voce imponente. Mike ha perso il suo compagno restando solo a crescere una bambina piccola e facendo di tutto per essere il miglior padre possibile. La storia tra i due è molto semplice: si incontrano, provano attrazione ed interesse ma i dubbi di entrambi ed il costante senso di inadeguatezza rallentano un po' quella che potrebbe essere una storia importante. Ma si sa al cuore non si comanda. Tra i due Mike è quello con dei demoni da sconfiggere: il suo senso di inadeguatezza rispetto al mondo ricco e scintillante di Giovanni, la paura di donare il suo cuore per vederselo poi strappato di nuovo via dal dolore, il timore di poter ostacolare i sogni di sua figlia, il suo bene più prezioso.
Come ho detto è una dolce storia d'amore semplice. Molto lineare e senza drammi anche se le difficoltà non mancano. Il punto forte che cattura il lettore a mio avviso non è la storia in sè ma come è rappresentata: fin da subito si avverte l'amore che l'autrice ha nei confronti della musica e del bel canto. Lo stile e la scrittura sono come il fluire delle note. Le descrizioni e i dialoghi riportano a ritmi diretti, dolci e poi ritmati. È un fluire musicale che invade tutto il romanzo. Persino nelle scene di passione tra i due è come assistere ad un concerto barocco. La musica classica impermeabilizza ogni parola ed ogni gesto. È lei la protagonista assoluta. La storia d'amore, i nostri protagonisti sono gli elementi per mettere in scena una grande opera musicale. La bellezza musicale è ovunque, anche nel parlato di Giovanni dove usa sempre parole italiane.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Giovanni ha perso la sua voce e la possibilità di fare musica come ha sempre fatto fin dall'infanzia su un palco, dando forma alla musica con la sua voce imponente. Mike ha perso il suo compagno restando solo a crescere una bambina piccola e facendo di tutto per essere il miglior padre possibile. La storia tra i due è molto semplice: si incontrano, provano attrazione ed interesse ma i dubbi di entrambi ed il costante senso di inadeguatezza rallentano un po' quella che potrebbe essere una storia importante. Ma si sa al cuore non si comanda. Tra i due Mike è quello con dei demoni da sconfiggere: il suo senso di inadeguatezza rispetto al mondo ricco e scintillante di Giovanni, la paura di donare il suo cuore per vederselo poi strappato di nuovo via dal dolore, il timore di poter ostacolare i sogni di sua figlia, il suo bene più prezioso.
Come ho detto è una dolce storia d'amore semplice. Molto lineare e senza drammi anche se le difficoltà non mancano. Il punto forte che cattura il lettore a mio avviso non è la storia in sè ma come è rappresentata: fin da subito si avverte l'amore che l'autrice ha nei confronti della musica e del bel canto. Lo stile e la scrittura sono come il fluire delle note. Le descrizioni e i dialoghi riportano a ritmi diretti, dolci e poi ritmati. È un fluire musicale che invade tutto il romanzo. Persino nelle scene di passione tra i due è come assistere ad un concerto barocco. La musica classica impermeabilizza ogni parola ed ogni gesto. È lei la protagonista assoluta. La storia d'amore, i nostri protagonisti sono gli elementi per mettere in scena una grande opera musicale. La bellezza musicale è ovunque, anche nel parlato di Giovanni dove usa sempre parole italiane.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
May 29, 2018
4.5
Amate le storie a lenta cottura? Quelle dove ci si strugge parecchio e la tensione sessuale fa scintille? I racconti dove le disparità di classe ti fanno rosicchiare le unghie? E dove ci sono i figli di mezzo con genitori single? Beh, se avete alzato la manina anche solo una volta, questa storia fa per voi. Personalmente, io l’ho adorata!
Gio e Mike ci regalano una trama avvincente e non scontata, un amore tormentato da tanti fattori e imprevisti – nonché dai fantasmi del passato – tanto che non sono riuscita a staccarmi prima della fine.
A onor del vero, i personaggi principali di questa storia sono quattro: Giovanni Boca, Mike McPhee, sua figlia Emma e la grande regina di questo libro, ovvero la musica. Non solo il canto, ma la musica nelle sue varie espressioni, che avremo modo di conoscere leggendo il testo.
Gio è un cantante lirico famoso e venerato, costretto a ripiegare su una carriera d’insegnamento a causa di gravi problemi alla gola. È un uomo piacente, ricco, acculturato, proviene da un ceto sociale alto e sembra non avere nulla a che spartire con il vedovo Mike, che ha una piccola impresa di ristrutturazioni, un passato da operaio, nato nei quartieri poveri e non particolarmente istruito. Quello che li lega è Emma, la figlia quattordicenne di Mike, che ha un talento incredibile per il canto, tanto che Giovanni vuole farne la sua pupilla per sfruttare al meglio le sue incredibili doti.
Anche se i due uomini si piacciono fin dal primo sguardo, la loro storia è tutta in salita per un sacco di motivi che vi invito a scoprire. Ma è chiaro che entrambi hanno sofferto molto in passato e Mike, in particolare, ha paura di amare di nuovo e teme le possibili reazioni della figlia, che è da sempre la sua prima priorità, anche davanti alla propria felicità. Pure Gio deve fare i conti con ciò che prova e col fatto che un rapporto col padre di un’alunna è, se non vietato, quantomeno discutibile.
Ci sono dei bei personaggi secondari a supportare i protagonisti, qualcuno addirittura inatteso, e un’odiosa cattiva che ti fa venir voglia di darle due ceffoni.
Le opere teatrali hanno grande importanza nell’economia della trama e l’autrice snocciola una serie notevole di conoscenze su quest’argomento. All’interno della storia originale ci sono diverse parole italiane che, segnate qui nella traduzione, mi hanno fatta un po’ sorridere, perché anche Kate McMurray si è lasciata un po’ trascinare dal melodramma dei suoi personaggi. Quel ‘caro’ ripetuto all’infinito, per esempio, penso avesse un sapore diverso dentro al testo inglese.
La resa italiana è comunque ben fatta e ha un editing impeccabile.
La storia è completa sotto ogni aspetto, perché ci sono amore e dolore, lutti da superare (fisici e spirituali), seconde possibilità da conquistare e sacrifici da fare. Non c’è una bacchetta magica e il sapore agrodolce di certe parti rendono la storia più vera.
Soffrirete coi protagonisti e amerete con loro, fino all’ultima riga del romanzo. Cosa aspettate? Correte a leggerlo!
Amate le storie a lenta cottura? Quelle dove ci si strugge parecchio e la tensione sessuale fa scintille? I racconti dove le disparità di classe ti fanno rosicchiare le unghie? E dove ci sono i figli di mezzo con genitori single? Beh, se avete alzato la manina anche solo una volta, questa storia fa per voi. Personalmente, io l’ho adorata!
Gio e Mike ci regalano una trama avvincente e non scontata, un amore tormentato da tanti fattori e imprevisti – nonché dai fantasmi del passato – tanto che non sono riuscita a staccarmi prima della fine.
A onor del vero, i personaggi principali di questa storia sono quattro: Giovanni Boca, Mike McPhee, sua figlia Emma e la grande regina di questo libro, ovvero la musica. Non solo il canto, ma la musica nelle sue varie espressioni, che avremo modo di conoscere leggendo il testo.
Gio è un cantante lirico famoso e venerato, costretto a ripiegare su una carriera d’insegnamento a causa di gravi problemi alla gola. È un uomo piacente, ricco, acculturato, proviene da un ceto sociale alto e sembra non avere nulla a che spartire con il vedovo Mike, che ha una piccola impresa di ristrutturazioni, un passato da operaio, nato nei quartieri poveri e non particolarmente istruito. Quello che li lega è Emma, la figlia quattordicenne di Mike, che ha un talento incredibile per il canto, tanto che Giovanni vuole farne la sua pupilla per sfruttare al meglio le sue incredibili doti.
Anche se i due uomini si piacciono fin dal primo sguardo, la loro storia è tutta in salita per un sacco di motivi che vi invito a scoprire. Ma è chiaro che entrambi hanno sofferto molto in passato e Mike, in particolare, ha paura di amare di nuovo e teme le possibili reazioni della figlia, che è da sempre la sua prima priorità, anche davanti alla propria felicità. Pure Gio deve fare i conti con ciò che prova e col fatto che un rapporto col padre di un’alunna è, se non vietato, quantomeno discutibile.
Ci sono dei bei personaggi secondari a supportare i protagonisti, qualcuno addirittura inatteso, e un’odiosa cattiva che ti fa venir voglia di darle due ceffoni.
Le opere teatrali hanno grande importanza nell’economia della trama e l’autrice snocciola una serie notevole di conoscenze su quest’argomento. All’interno della storia originale ci sono diverse parole italiane che, segnate qui nella traduzione, mi hanno fatta un po’ sorridere, perché anche Kate McMurray si è lasciata un po’ trascinare dal melodramma dei suoi personaggi. Quel ‘caro’ ripetuto all’infinito, per esempio, penso avesse un sapore diverso dentro al testo inglese.
La resa italiana è comunque ben fatta e ha un editing impeccabile.
La storia è completa sotto ogni aspetto, perché ci sono amore e dolore, lutti da superare (fisici e spirituali), seconde possibilità da conquistare e sacrifici da fare. Non c’è una bacchetta magica e il sapore agrodolce di certe parti rendono la storia più vera.
Soffrirete coi protagonisti e amerete con loro, fino all’ultima riga del romanzo. Cosa aspettate? Correte a leggerlo!
December 16, 2013
So this book needs more review than I have time to give. But it made me happy and was so worth the wait I made myself endure to read it. I'll try to do this better when I have time, but highlights:
*slow burn
*UST
*gentle but potent emo
*FUCKING OPERA
*NYC
*white/blue collar mashup
*widower
YOU GOTTA.
*slow burn
*UST
*gentle but potent emo
*FUCKING OPERA
*NYC
*white/blue collar mashup
*widower
YOU GOTTA.
May 19, 2018
Ok, so. I've mentioned in my updates I've been dragging out reading this book for weeks, but it says here I've been reading this book for 4 days. But it still feels like it's been weeks, possibly a month.
Most likely my mood was not right for it. But it was just. so. boring. While the writing was decent, I never connected with the characters nor did I feel invested in their relationship. The little girl annoyed me because her reactions were weird. The drama was predictable and failed to cause me any emotion except exasperation. So I'm giving it an "it was okay" rating and leaving it at that.
Most likely my mood was not right for it. But it was just. so. boring. While the writing was decent, I never connected with the characters nor did I feel invested in their relationship. The little girl annoyed me because her reactions were weird. The drama was predictable and failed to cause me any emotion except exasperation. So I'm giving it an "it was okay" rating and leaving it at that.
June 27, 2018
I once went to the 'Sydney Opera House' to experience 'The Marriage of Figaro' and at that exact moment in time I enjoyed it immensely, having never seen anything like it before. I almost had a 'Pretty Woman'-moment, crying my eyes out.
However, years later I don't really remember much, and even though I -at the time- thought I had discovered an untapped well of appreciation for the fine arts, I can safely say that the well ran dry pretty quick.
It's not like I can't appreciate the build-up of this book; the expressions, the theme and the tropes, but at the end of it, it didn't make a 'loveropa' (edit: I am totally trademarking that word;-) out of me.
This book wasn't bad or boring or anything like that, it was just very chill and a wee bit pretentious at times.
I understand why 'Italian' was used, but the translations and repetitions made it seem like Gio was talking down to the reader once in a while.
I liked their romance well enough, but I wondered a bit about Mike's angst and his inferiority complex. Dude was a well-paid contractor with rich clients and his own company. That is nothing to sneeze at -IMO, and at one point I was actually annoyed that he kept talking himself down. He didn't have to be the most self-centered dude on the planet (no, thanks), but a wee bit of pride would have gone a long way.
And I get that the whole Quinlan-thing didn't make things easier, but I really think that there was an unhealthy amount of focus on their differences from both guys.
It was kind of weird and a wee bit much, for me.
All in all, this was a nice romance with a new (to me) trope/theme of opera. I enjoyed it, but like with 'The Marriage of Figaro' I'm not sure I'll remember the details in a few years. That is on my uncultured ass though!
... I almost forgot: Why was it Sandy's 'boyfriend' and not James at the end?? Do I smell another story in this 'universe'? If so, I really am looking forward to Sandy's story.
However, years later I don't really remember much, and even though I -at the time- thought I had discovered an untapped well of appreciation for the fine arts, I can safely say that the well ran dry pretty quick.
It's not like I can't appreciate the build-up of this book; the expressions, the theme and the tropes, but at the end of it, it didn't make a 'loveropa' (edit: I am totally trademarking that word;-) out of me.
This book wasn't bad or boring or anything like that, it was just very chill and a wee bit pretentious at times.
I understand why 'Italian' was used, but the translations and repetitions made it seem like Gio was talking down to the reader once in a while.
I liked their romance well enough, but I wondered a bit about Mike's angst and his inferiority complex. Dude was a well-paid contractor with rich clients and his own company. That is nothing to sneeze at -IMO, and at one point I was actually annoyed that he kept talking himself down. He didn't have to be the most self-centered dude on the planet (no, thanks), but a wee bit of pride would have gone a long way.
And I get that the whole Quinlan-thing didn't make things easier, but I really think that there was an unhealthy amount of focus on their differences from both guys.
It was kind of weird and a wee bit much, for me.
All in all, this was a nice romance with a new (to me) trope/theme of opera. I enjoyed it, but like with 'The Marriage of Figaro' I'm not sure I'll remember the details in a few years. That is on my uncultured ass though!
... I almost forgot: Why was it Sandy's 'boyfriend' and not James at the end?? Do I smell another story in this 'universe'? If so, I really am looking forward to Sandy's story.
October 1, 2013
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
On occasion, I’ll throw down an imaginary gauntlet to an author who has absolutely no clue what I’m doing and challenge them and their book to get me to like, or accept, a subject with which I’ve got an “issue.” I’ve got “issues” with opera. I particularly dislike Turandot and the aria “Nessun Dorma.” Yeah. So. Giovanni Boca can no longer sing and has turned to training the next generation of singers. While holding try-outs for his summer program for young musicians he hears a fantastic young singer, Emma McPhee, who also happens to have a gorgeous father, Mike. Emma’s amazing natural talent gets her into the program. It’s a bonus she’s got a gorgeous father. Mike finds himself really attracted to Emma’s opera teacher, Gio. When Gio asks Mike to lunch, ostensibly to discuss Emma, Mike is nervous. He doesn’t really get why he’s nervous like it’s a date, but he is nonetheless. Gio is nervous about going out to lunch with Mike. He quickly admits it’s not about Emma, but he wants to have lunch with Mike as he really likes him. As they’re talking Mike explains how he came to be a single gay father after his partner, Evan, was killed in the line of duty saving a child. Mike has been raising Emma alone for eleven years. Gio feels humbled. This man has lost so much, how can he possibly be interested in some prissy former opera singer? Mike can’t see how a worldly and accomplished international star would be interested in a blue collar worker. They decide to wait til the summer program is over before they begin dating. Their resolve lasts a couple of days.
Anything involving children and the myriad ways a parent can help their child establish their career path at the tender age of fourteen is cutthroat. Opera is no different. A parent subtly threatens Gio if her daughter doesn’t make it into the Olcott school, where Gio teaches. As it turns out, Emma isn’t exactly thrilled when she finds out her father is dating her music teacher. Emma idolizes Gio as an opera singer and star, but that’s very different than being the guy who is butting into the relationship she has with her dad. Mike is torn. Emma is his world, but Gio makes him happy. Mike realizes he deserves to be happy. Things come to a head at the auditions for Olcott. The determined parent makes numerous accusations against Gio to force the school’s hand into accepting her daughter. Gio and Mike are both devastated. Their attempts at happiness after years of simply healing from their losses may be snatched from their fingertips.
Kate McMurray picked up my imaginary gauntlet and smacked me with it. This book was fantastic. If you have knowledge of opera you’ll have a leg up. Part of the story takes place during the instruction of opera. You may end up Googling a lot of opera terms. Personally, that is one of the things I love most about Kate McMurray’s writing. She delves into a subject and doesn’t talk down to the reader. You can’t have a character immersed in the world of opera without actually discussing opera. On top of that, the romance was fantastic. Mike was so unsure of himself. In most aspects of his life. Every time he manages to get back on top he finds himself beaten down again. Consequently, he had a lot of problems simply accepting when things were good that they were actually good. He also had difficulty putting himself in a position of vulnerability. He figured he was just going to get smacked down again. Gio was more stable and emotionally healthy than Mike but still had his problems. As a couple they did a fantastic job of shoring each other up.
I did have an issue with this book, and it had nothing at all to do with the opera. One of the more important plot strings was a little obvious and unbelievable to me. It worked, but I felt it to be really unlikely. Honestly, that’s all I ask of a book, but at the same time I don’t want to fall out of the story thinking to myself, “Yeah, that would never happen.” It was as though the story were fine Egyptian cotton and then a string of acrylic, worsted weight yarn shows up. But anyway, it wasn’t the opera that bothered me. If anything, I actually found my personal issues with the aria “Nessun Dorma” helped underscore the bittersweetness of the song for Gio. Again, I have to appreciate I went out of my comfort zone.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
On occasion, I’ll throw down an imaginary gauntlet to an author who has absolutely no clue what I’m doing and challenge them and their book to get me to like, or accept, a subject with which I’ve got an “issue.” I’ve got “issues” with opera. I particularly dislike Turandot and the aria “Nessun Dorma.” Yeah. So. Giovanni Boca can no longer sing and has turned to training the next generation of singers. While holding try-outs for his summer program for young musicians he hears a fantastic young singer, Emma McPhee, who also happens to have a gorgeous father, Mike. Emma’s amazing natural talent gets her into the program. It’s a bonus she’s got a gorgeous father. Mike finds himself really attracted to Emma’s opera teacher, Gio. When Gio asks Mike to lunch, ostensibly to discuss Emma, Mike is nervous. He doesn’t really get why he’s nervous like it’s a date, but he is nonetheless. Gio is nervous about going out to lunch with Mike. He quickly admits it’s not about Emma, but he wants to have lunch with Mike as he really likes him. As they’re talking Mike explains how he came to be a single gay father after his partner, Evan, was killed in the line of duty saving a child. Mike has been raising Emma alone for eleven years. Gio feels humbled. This man has lost so much, how can he possibly be interested in some prissy former opera singer? Mike can’t see how a worldly and accomplished international star would be interested in a blue collar worker. They decide to wait til the summer program is over before they begin dating. Their resolve lasts a couple of days.
Anything involving children and the myriad ways a parent can help their child establish their career path at the tender age of fourteen is cutthroat. Opera is no different. A parent subtly threatens Gio if her daughter doesn’t make it into the Olcott school, where Gio teaches. As it turns out, Emma isn’t exactly thrilled when she finds out her father is dating her music teacher. Emma idolizes Gio as an opera singer and star, but that’s very different than being the guy who is butting into the relationship she has with her dad. Mike is torn. Emma is his world, but Gio makes him happy. Mike realizes he deserves to be happy. Things come to a head at the auditions for Olcott. The determined parent makes numerous accusations against Gio to force the school’s hand into accepting her daughter. Gio and Mike are both devastated. Their attempts at happiness after years of simply healing from their losses may be snatched from their fingertips.
Kate McMurray picked up my imaginary gauntlet and smacked me with it. This book was fantastic. If you have knowledge of opera you’ll have a leg up. Part of the story takes place during the instruction of opera. You may end up Googling a lot of opera terms. Personally, that is one of the things I love most about Kate McMurray’s writing. She delves into a subject and doesn’t talk down to the reader. You can’t have a character immersed in the world of opera without actually discussing opera. On top of that, the romance was fantastic. Mike was so unsure of himself. In most aspects of his life. Every time he manages to get back on top he finds himself beaten down again. Consequently, he had a lot of problems simply accepting when things were good that they were actually good. He also had difficulty putting himself in a position of vulnerability. He figured he was just going to get smacked down again. Gio was more stable and emotionally healthy than Mike but still had his problems. As a couple they did a fantastic job of shoring each other up.
I did have an issue with this book, and it had nothing at all to do with the opera. One of the more important plot strings was a little obvious and unbelievable to me. It worked, but I felt it to be really unlikely. Honestly, that’s all I ask of a book, but at the same time I don’t want to fall out of the story thinking to myself, “Yeah, that would never happen.” It was as though the story were fine Egyptian cotton and then a string of acrylic, worsted weight yarn shows up. But anyway, it wasn’t the opera that bothered me. If anything, I actually found my personal issues with the aria “Nessun Dorma” helped underscore the bittersweetness of the song for Gio. Again, I have to appreciate I went out of my comfort zone.
October 2, 2013
A sweet romantic love story with a side of angst. I liked the way music and opera were incorporated into the story. I found some of the flashbacks to Evan quite poignant and sad. Gio's lamenting the loss of his voice was also affecting.
Although the terrible-stage-mother has become a trope, there is a certain truth in what drama she brings. The reality is money does talk, and arts programs do have to worry about losing funding by generous (if vindictive) donors. It's so unfair.
Mike and Gio make a lovely couple.
Although the terrible-stage-mother has become a trope, there is a certain truth in what drama she brings. The reality is money does talk, and arts programs do have to worry about losing funding by generous (if vindictive) donors. It's so unfair.
Mike and Gio make a lovely couple.
October 6, 2013
Must. Read. This. Book.
October 4, 2013
2 stars, here is why
... more
... more
July 13, 2017
This was just okay for me. There was a lot of opera or voice references which I didn't know and it took me way to long to read. Never a good sign. The romance was lukewarm, same with the sex. No real drama or angst, just an average romance.
January 6, 2016
Not a bad read but the chemistry was lacking between the MCs. They never seemed really comfortable together.
February 21, 2016
This was a bit different, in a good way. It is set in and around studying for the opera.
September 8, 2013
There are times in everyone's lives when they feel that the rug is being pulled out from under them. A time such as this came to Giovani Boca, world famous opera singer, from 'The Stars That Tremble' by Kate McMurray, when an injury ended his singing career. What could have been the end for him becomes another beginning when he meets Mike McPhee, who had also had a great tragedy in his life. Both men need a second chance at happiness.
Gio is a talented, cultured man who was once an opera star. When he lost his voice, he mourned, but then picked himself up and became an opera teacher instead. His fall from fame could have broken him, but he's trying to make the best of it living, somewhat vicariously, through his students. Many of the men he dated before his injury desert him because they are only interested in the fame he achieved and not in him as a person. When he meets Mike, Emma's father and one of his students, he is instantly attracted to him. Gio is delighted when he finds out that Mike is gay, but questions the appropriateness of being interested in a student's father. When Mike asks him out, Gio isn't able to refuse and they strike up a friendship. For propriety's sake, they try to keep it a secret, but Emma finds out and is distressed, worrying about how this will affect her chances of studying opera. There are differences to overcome, but Gio and Mike are making progress until a stage mother with an untalented daughter tries to ruin not only their relationship, but Emma's and Gio's as well. At this point, they have serious decisions to make about what's best for everyone.
Since his partner died twelve years ago, Mike has dedicated his life to raising his child, Emma. For him, nothing or no one is more important than her happiness. Since she loves opera so much, Mike has scrimped and saved in order to pay for her voice lessons. Emma has a marvelous voice and potential to do very well. Mike's feelings for Gio bring up a myriad of problems which he's tried to bury but are now coming to the forefront. As he falls in love with Gio, he begins to think about what will happen when Emma goes off to college and he's left alone. He misses his first lover and feels guilty, as if loving Gio is somehow dishonoring him. Mike also wonders what Gio sees in him, especially since they are so very different; he's a carpenter who barely finished high school and Gio is an educated and cultured man. He can't see how either of them would fit into the other's lifestyle.
This is a good story about an unlikely match between two very different men and their journey through their pain and into helping each other heal. I liked Gio and Mike and, seeing how lonely they were, wanted them to make it. I am not that knowledgeable about opera so I especially appreciated the brief education to the subject offered in this story. I love music in general and am automatically drawn to any story with a musical theme. It was interesting to see how Kate used opera-related terms to portray a lovemaking session between Gio and Mike, although it felt a bit like they had an announcer in the bedroom giving a play-by-play description. If you like opera you will easily relate to this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants a simple, somewhat angsty read with a happy ending. Thank you, Kate.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Gio is a talented, cultured man who was once an opera star. When he lost his voice, he mourned, but then picked himself up and became an opera teacher instead. His fall from fame could have broken him, but he's trying to make the best of it living, somewhat vicariously, through his students. Many of the men he dated before his injury desert him because they are only interested in the fame he achieved and not in him as a person. When he meets Mike, Emma's father and one of his students, he is instantly attracted to him. Gio is delighted when he finds out that Mike is gay, but questions the appropriateness of being interested in a student's father. When Mike asks him out, Gio isn't able to refuse and they strike up a friendship. For propriety's sake, they try to keep it a secret, but Emma finds out and is distressed, worrying about how this will affect her chances of studying opera. There are differences to overcome, but Gio and Mike are making progress until a stage mother with an untalented daughter tries to ruin not only their relationship, but Emma's and Gio's as well. At this point, they have serious decisions to make about what's best for everyone.
Since his partner died twelve years ago, Mike has dedicated his life to raising his child, Emma. For him, nothing or no one is more important than her happiness. Since she loves opera so much, Mike has scrimped and saved in order to pay for her voice lessons. Emma has a marvelous voice and potential to do very well. Mike's feelings for Gio bring up a myriad of problems which he's tried to bury but are now coming to the forefront. As he falls in love with Gio, he begins to think about what will happen when Emma goes off to college and he's left alone. He misses his first lover and feels guilty, as if loving Gio is somehow dishonoring him. Mike also wonders what Gio sees in him, especially since they are so very different; he's a carpenter who barely finished high school and Gio is an educated and cultured man. He can't see how either of them would fit into the other's lifestyle.
This is a good story about an unlikely match between two very different men and their journey through their pain and into helping each other heal. I liked Gio and Mike and, seeing how lonely they were, wanted them to make it. I am not that knowledgeable about opera so I especially appreciated the brief education to the subject offered in this story. I love music in general and am automatically drawn to any story with a musical theme. It was interesting to see how Kate used opera-related terms to portray a lovemaking session between Gio and Mike, although it felt a bit like they had an announcer in the bedroom giving a play-by-play description. If you like opera you will easily relate to this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants a simple, somewhat angsty read with a happy ending. Thank you, Kate.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 21, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
Kate McMurray's Stars Series is a beautiful and quite musical romance that tells the love stories of two best friends. The first book is about Mike and him being romanced by one Gio Boca. The second is about Sandy, Mike's best buddy, and him being romanced by one Everett Blake.
The story of Mike and Gio sets the pace of the series. Mike's daughter, Emma, a child he adopted with his then partner Evan, is discovered to be a musical prodigy. He had raised Emma alone after he lost Evan, and he learned to multitask as any single parent only could. He loved her and did everything he could to provide, even the singing lessons he never really understood. When Emma is accepted into a summer workshop and meets the professor, Mike knew he was way in over his head.
Gio Boca had suffered his own loss when he lost his voice to polyps but just like any artist, when he does stumble into 'the voice' he knew he had a treasure in his hands. When he meets Mike, a blue collar contractor, he saw past the jeans and callouses. He saw a man whom he could be with, a man he did not have to pretend with.
For Sandy's story, we fast forward five years later, when his work with Mike gets him recommended by Gio to his friend who needed his kitchen re-designed. When Everett sees Sandy, he sees a happy-go-lucky blue-collar guy whose looks were to die for and he was smitten. When Sandy saw him, he saw an educated violinist and he knew he had a chance to bed him. That was not really what Sandy wanted, he wanted a family like Mike had and he was not sure if Everett was that man. But who is he to refuse a man who obviously liked him?
The stories of these four men have two things in common: music and construction work. Their stories address the question if men, from opposite sides of the track, can be happy together. The way the author approached this was not from the fairy tale angle, which I expected. She, instead, gave a very real portrayal of the conflicts that can arise, not from the men themselves, but from society. The snobbery of the supposed educated and upper middle class versus the blue collar class who worked with their hands for a living. She successfully showed that although there was the usual snobbery involved, there was also the reverse-snobbery.
This was a beautifully interesting series to read back to back. I actually started out with the second book first then decided to read the first right after. I never once got lost while reading that second book for it is clearly a standalone. However, after I read the first book and I got to know who Mike and Gio were in relation to Sandy and Everett, both stories gelled beautifully.
As for the erotic content? Now this is the one element that surprised me.
For those who do listen to operas and arias, imagine the erotic scenes unfolding in time and rhythm with the ebbs, flows, lows and crescendos. It was not so much erotic as it was more like experiencing a musical orgasm - and I blushed LOL
Highly recommended reads.
Kate McMurray's Stars Series is a beautiful and quite musical romance that tells the love stories of two best friends. The first book is about Mike and him being romanced by one Gio Boca. The second is about Sandy, Mike's best buddy, and him being romanced by one Everett Blake.
The story of Mike and Gio sets the pace of the series. Mike's daughter, Emma, a child he adopted with his then partner Evan, is discovered to be a musical prodigy. He had raised Emma alone after he lost Evan, and he learned to multitask as any single parent only could. He loved her and did everything he could to provide, even the singing lessons he never really understood. When Emma is accepted into a summer workshop and meets the professor, Mike knew he was way in over his head.
Gio Boca had suffered his own loss when he lost his voice to polyps but just like any artist, when he does stumble into 'the voice' he knew he had a treasure in his hands. When he meets Mike, a blue collar contractor, he saw past the jeans and callouses. He saw a man whom he could be with, a man he did not have to pretend with.
For Sandy's story, we fast forward five years later, when his work with Mike gets him recommended by Gio to his friend who needed his kitchen re-designed. When Everett sees Sandy, he sees a happy-go-lucky blue-collar guy whose looks were to die for and he was smitten. When Sandy saw him, he saw an educated violinist and he knew he had a chance to bed him. That was not really what Sandy wanted, he wanted a family like Mike had and he was not sure if Everett was that man. But who is he to refuse a man who obviously liked him?
The stories of these four men have two things in common: music and construction work. Their stories address the question if men, from opposite sides of the track, can be happy together. The way the author approached this was not from the fairy tale angle, which I expected. She, instead, gave a very real portrayal of the conflicts that can arise, not from the men themselves, but from society. The snobbery of the supposed educated and upper middle class versus the blue collar class who worked with their hands for a living. She successfully showed that although there was the usual snobbery involved, there was also the reverse-snobbery.
This was a beautifully interesting series to read back to back. I actually started out with the second book first then decided to read the first right after. I never once got lost while reading that second book for it is clearly a standalone. However, after I read the first book and I got to know who Mike and Gio were in relation to Sandy and Everett, both stories gelled beautifully.
As for the erotic content? Now this is the one element that surprised me.
For those who do listen to operas and arias, imagine the erotic scenes unfolding in time and rhythm with the ebbs, flows, lows and crescendos. It was not so much erotic as it was more like experiencing a musical orgasm - and I blushed LOL
Highly recommended reads.
March 10, 2016
This book is one of those books I read at the right time. It filled the craving of an angst free romance that was sweet and simple. The plot line is fairly shallow not delving to deeply into anything but the characters were likable. I enjoyed watching Gio and Mike go dancing and hover around Emma. I loved the fact Emma wasn't the perfect little angel nor the evil brat kid. What tipped it over the edge for four stars was the ending. Instead of going for the satisfying evil person gets their due it was more realistic.
October 3, 2013
31/2 stars. Good story line, but not enough time spent on the developing relationship of the MC's. I think the turmoil of both MC's could have been explored more. I mean one lost his singing voice another his life partner. I really liked the writing style and the way the sex scenes were described in terms of music. It allowed the reader to experience the crescendo and decrescendo, the forte and the pianissimo ending.
Would definitely read more from this author.
Would definitely read more from this author.
August 23, 2015
3.5 stars
This book was a mostly happy feels kind of book. Both MCs need some healing from tragedy, and they're basically sweet and perfectly complement each other. A good balance of sexual tension followed by really good fireworks and sexy times. I found the opera storyline as difficult to follow as Mike, but it made me like the way Gio was with him all the more. I liked the alternating POVs too. Good book.
This book was a mostly happy feels kind of book. Both MCs need some healing from tragedy, and they're basically sweet and perfectly complement each other. A good balance of sexual tension followed by really good fireworks and sexy times. I found the opera storyline as difficult to follow as Mike, but it made me like the way Gio was with him all the more. I liked the alternating POVs too. Good book.
December 30, 2015
Continuing my Kate McMurray binge. I loved this book. I don't know, I just love her writing and the way she develops the characters and builds a real foundation for relationships. I really like that Gio and Mike were so different but complemented each other so well. I also like that the obstacles / struggles in her books are not the typical overused tropes in romance books, but are more subtle and realistic.
October 3, 2013
This book was an okay read. Didn't feel anything special towards any of the characters. The story was pretty basic if not ordinary. And the suppose nemesis was bland and very typical. But this book was not all bad as it did provide some light entertaining reading for a night. So an overall 3.2 stars.
October 4, 2013
I wanted to like this book more than I ended up liking it for some reason. I think it dragged a little, and for me personally the whole big conflict was something very uncomfortable. It was handled realistically from where I'm looking at it, but it was just too uncomfortable for whatever reason.
A cute story, and if you love opera, then you SHOULD read this.
A cute story, and if you love opera, then you SHOULD read this.
February 24, 2015
This one was well written and smooth. It made me imagine the Arias in my head and look them up on YouTube.
Gio and Mike were in need of healing and it so sweet. I think the authors ending was realistic and I applaud her for that because money matters! I hope there's a sequel because there seemed to be more.
Gio and Mike were in need of healing and it so sweet. I think the authors ending was realistic and I applaud her for that because money matters! I hope there's a sequel because there seemed to be more.
February 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and the author's writing style. The story was actually realistic, and it is sad but true, how some parents will go to any lengths to ensure their child is chosen. What happened to go old fashioned talent?!
I am wondering if this book is going to be a trilogy or a series as the end seemed to be lacking. Otherwise, I really did enjoy the book and it was a fast read.
I am wondering if this book is going to be a trilogy or a series as the end seemed to be lacking. Otherwise, I really did enjoy the book and it was a fast read.
July 3, 2018
Questo romanzo non è riuscito a toccarmi fino in fondo. Per quanto rifletta esattamente ciò che viene annunciato nella sinossi, e per quanto la storia dei due sia contrastata da ostacoli e conflitti emotivi che devono essere superati, la trama non ha dato quegli elementi di novità in grado di stuzzicare il mio interesse.
«Vuoi sapere quello che ho capito dopo trentasette anni passati ad ascoltare e a esibirmi nel mondo dell’opera? So che la vita è fatta di rischi e ricompense. Una grande passione è pericolosa. Può bruciarti, può distruggerti, può strapparti il cuore. Ma è anche una delle cose più belle che potremo mai provare. Rischiamo il cuore quando ci innamoriamo, ma la ricompensa non ne vale la pena?»
Complici, forse, le caratterizzazioni poco approfondite e uno stile troppo minuzioso ma poco intenso dove necessario. Se Mike è un personaggio con una buona introspezione, Gio e Emma, invece, sono personaggi che non lasciano il segno, nonostante la loro storia sia caratterizzata da eventi drammatici. E per quanto i due uomini continuino a vedersi nonostante sappiano che non è opportuno, di fatto per tutta la parte centrale il rapporto si inceppa sul senso di inadeguatezza di Mike rispetto a una relazione stabile con un uomo del calibro di Gio.
"Il primo movimento di solito era veloce, qualcosa per catturare l’attenzione del pubblico. Era un allegro o un presto o forse un vivace; veloce e intenso. Come l’eccitazione del primo amore, l’iniziale scarica di lussuria. Il sesso iniziava così, con frenesia e urgenza. Era un afferrare e tirare. Era bocche fuse insieme, che leccavano e mordevano, unghie conficcate nella pelle. Era il tremolo del violino nel prologo di un’opera, concepito per il crescendo e per creare aspettativa. Era il tremare di dita e arti, cuori palpitanti, respiri corti. Era la musica che si espandeva. Era il lacerarsi degli indumenti."
Trovo che il romanzo sia sviluppato in modo prevedibile, senza grandi scossoni, e per quanto molti momenti siano raccontati in modo tenero e delizioso, alla fin fine è una storia che non mi ha raggiunta nelle corde più intime.
"Gio non si tirò indietro o si scostò, quindi Mike pensò che non sarebbe stato così brutto appoggiare le labbra sulle sue. Quando lo fece, fu accolto da un leggero mugolio e poi dal pieno impeto di un bacio, uno di quelli potenti che sapeva un po’ di aceto balsamico."
.
Nayeli - per RFS
«Vuoi sapere quello che ho capito dopo trentasette anni passati ad ascoltare e a esibirmi nel mondo dell’opera? So che la vita è fatta di rischi e ricompense. Una grande passione è pericolosa. Può bruciarti, può distruggerti, può strapparti il cuore. Ma è anche una delle cose più belle che potremo mai provare. Rischiamo il cuore quando ci innamoriamo, ma la ricompensa non ne vale la pena?»
Complici, forse, le caratterizzazioni poco approfondite e uno stile troppo minuzioso ma poco intenso dove necessario. Se Mike è un personaggio con una buona introspezione, Gio e Emma, invece, sono personaggi che non lasciano il segno, nonostante la loro storia sia caratterizzata da eventi drammatici. E per quanto i due uomini continuino a vedersi nonostante sappiano che non è opportuno, di fatto per tutta la parte centrale il rapporto si inceppa sul senso di inadeguatezza di Mike rispetto a una relazione stabile con un uomo del calibro di Gio.
"Il primo movimento di solito era veloce, qualcosa per catturare l’attenzione del pubblico. Era un allegro o un presto o forse un vivace; veloce e intenso. Come l’eccitazione del primo amore, l’iniziale scarica di lussuria. Il sesso iniziava così, con frenesia e urgenza. Era un afferrare e tirare. Era bocche fuse insieme, che leccavano e mordevano, unghie conficcate nella pelle. Era il tremolo del violino nel prologo di un’opera, concepito per il crescendo e per creare aspettativa. Era il tremare di dita e arti, cuori palpitanti, respiri corti. Era la musica che si espandeva. Era il lacerarsi degli indumenti."
Trovo che il romanzo sia sviluppato in modo prevedibile, senza grandi scossoni, e per quanto molti momenti siano raccontati in modo tenero e delizioso, alla fin fine è una storia che non mi ha raggiunta nelle corde più intime.
"Gio non si tirò indietro o si scostò, quindi Mike pensò che non sarebbe stato così brutto appoggiare le labbra sulle sue. Quando lo fece, fu accolto da un leggero mugolio e poi dal pieno impeto di un bacio, uno di quelli potenti che sapeva un po’ di aceto balsamico."
.
Nayeli - per RFS
August 29, 2017
"The stars that tremble" is a contemporary male/male romance about Mike, a guy who owns and operates a high end construction and design firm, and Gio, a retired opera singer. They meet when Mike's daughter is accepted into Gio's class and feel an immediate attraction. They soon begin to date but can their love survive?
The general quality of the prose in 'the stars that tremble' was good. McMurray obviously knows something a plot structure and writing. I enjoyed both of her characters and the idea of a match between a blue-collar guy and a guy heavily involved in the arts. I enjoyed Mike's daughter. I particularly liked her ambiguous response to Mike and Gio's relaitonship. Often in this kind of fiction, a child is instantly accepting so we can get straight to the cute family stuff but I thing Emma's initial reluctance, especially since Mike hasn't dated in so many years, really works for the character and adds another potential layer of drama. The sex scenes were sweet, though a little heavy on opera references. I also actually quite enjoyed how the relationship built. The trope of love at first site was averted. They met and liked the look of each other, then went on several dates where they talked about their lives and grew to care about each other. It felt very normal and true to how people really fall into relationships. Not grand romance, maybe, but soft and slow. There are many things to enjoy in this book.
That said, the book did have a habit of imediately negating any drama. The central drama comes from the daughter being Gio's student and this bringing his objectivity into question but Gio and Mike are always convinced it wont be an issue, Gio removes himself from any kind of influence over her, and generally it's not that big of a deal. I have to admit to having a taste for the dramatic so I could have used something bigger and more dramatic in this book.
Overall, a good soft read, but the dramatic elements could have been more developed.
The general quality of the prose in 'the stars that tremble' was good. McMurray obviously knows something a plot structure and writing. I enjoyed both of her characters and the idea of a match between a blue-collar guy and a guy heavily involved in the arts. I enjoyed Mike's daughter. I particularly liked her ambiguous response to Mike and Gio's relaitonship. Often in this kind of fiction, a child is instantly accepting so we can get straight to the cute family stuff but I thing Emma's initial reluctance, especially since Mike hasn't dated in so many years, really works for the character and adds another potential layer of drama. The sex scenes were sweet, though a little heavy on opera references. I also actually quite enjoyed how the relationship built. The trope of love at first site was averted. They met and liked the look of each other, then went on several dates where they talked about their lives and grew to care about each other. It felt very normal and true to how people really fall into relationships. Not grand romance, maybe, but soft and slow. There are many things to enjoy in this book.
That said, the book did have a habit of imediately negating any drama. The central drama comes from the daughter being Gio's student and this bringing his objectivity into question but Gio and Mike are always convinced it wont be an issue, Gio removes himself from any kind of influence over her, and generally it's not that big of a deal. I have to admit to having a taste for the dramatic so I could have used something bigger and more dramatic in this book.
Overall, a good soft read, but the dramatic elements could have been more developed.
June 9, 2018
Recensione a cura di Cat per Feel the Book
Mike e Gio arrivano da mondi completamente diversi: uno italiano, l’altro di Brooklyn; uno un piccolo imprenditore, l’altro una figura importante nel mondo dell’opera. Interessi diversi, vite diverse.
Tutto questo potrebbe apparire come un ostacolo per intraprendere una relazione, perché superare certe “barriere” non sempre è facile. E sentirsi intimoriti o inadeguati o non all’altezza, come si sente Mike, certamente non aiuta.
Ma più di tutto c’è la paura di rimettere in gioco il proprio cuore:
Essere un padre single come Mike ti impone inoltre delle responsabilità che non si possono ignorare: un figlio avrà sempre la priorità, il suo futuro e le sue possibilità saranno sempre davanti a tutto, anche se questo potrebbe significare dover rinunciare a un amore.
Gio è un uomo che ha perso il suo “talento/dono” e questo non gli permette più di inseguire il suo sogno, la sua grande passione. Ha dovuto abbandonare la sua vita nel solo modo in cui riusciva a vederla e viverla.
Ma è ciò che hanno in comune che permetterà a questi due uomini, segnati nel profondo, di avvicinarsi e creare una possibilità: la conoscenza di quel dolore che ti segna profondamente, e la capacità che hanno dimostrato nell’affrontarlo.
La lettura è piacevole e i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati, riuscendo a creare empatia nel lettore che non può non amarli.
L’autrice ci parla con intensità della musica, da cui traspare una passione personale intensa verso quest’arte.
Assolutamente consigliato.
Editing recensione a cura di The Goddess per Feel the Book
Mike e Gio arrivano da mondi completamente diversi: uno italiano, l’altro di Brooklyn; uno un piccolo imprenditore, l’altro una figura importante nel mondo dell’opera. Interessi diversi, vite diverse.
Tutto questo potrebbe apparire come un ostacolo per intraprendere una relazione, perché superare certe “barriere” non sempre è facile. E sentirsi intimoriti o inadeguati o non all’altezza, come si sente Mike, certamente non aiuta.
Ma più di tutto c’è la paura di rimettere in gioco il proprio cuore:
Essere un padre single come Mike ti impone inoltre delle responsabilità che non si possono ignorare: un figlio avrà sempre la priorità, il suo futuro e le sue possibilità saranno sempre davanti a tutto, anche se questo potrebbe significare dover rinunciare a un amore.
Gio è un uomo che ha perso il suo “talento/dono” e questo non gli permette più di inseguire il suo sogno, la sua grande passione. Ha dovuto abbandonare la sua vita nel solo modo in cui riusciva a vederla e viverla.
Ma è ciò che hanno in comune che permetterà a questi due uomini, segnati nel profondo, di avvicinarsi e creare una possibilità: la conoscenza di quel dolore che ti segna profondamente, e la capacità che hanno dimostrato nell’affrontarlo.
La lettura è piacevole e i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati, riuscendo a creare empatia nel lettore che non può non amarli.
L’autrice ci parla con intensità della musica, da cui traspare una passione personale intensa verso quest’arte.
Assolutamente consigliato.
Editing recensione a cura di The Goddess per Feel the Book
July 30, 2018
È un romanzo che non è riuscito a toccarmi fino in fondo. Per quanto rifletta esattamente ciò che annunci nella sinossi, per quanto la storia dei due sia contrastata da ostacoli possibili o conflitti emotivi che devono essere superati, la trama non mi ha dato quegli elementi di novità in grado di stuzzicare il mio interesse. Complice, forse, delle caratterizzazioni poco approfondite, uno stile troppo minuzioso ma poco intenso dove necessario. Trovo che il romanzo si sia sviluppato in modo prevedibile, senza grandi scossoni, e per quanto molti momenti siano raccontati in modo tenero e delizioso, alla fin fine è una storia che non mi ha raggiunta nelle corde più intime.
Recensione completa su Romanticamentefantasy.it
Recensione completa su Romanticamentefantasy.it
September 18, 2019
An interesting look into the competitive world of Opera. I learned a lot from this book, from some basic Italian to some history on some truly epic masterpieces of yore. While I was enjoying the background of this book, I also appreciated the love story of a retired master opera singer and a seemingly 'normal, blue-collar' guy. They meet because Mr. Blue Collar's daughter is an ingenue and a student of the Operatic Italian Stallion. There were plots that made me want to shake my fist along with the MC's in frustration on how money can sometimes trump talent, but in the end, the outcome was satisfactory. The characters' were rich and well-developed, and the sexy-times were smoking hot. A very goodread indeed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews