Overture

Rhapsody #3

by Amy Booker

Overture - an introduction to something more substantial. an approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship.

Love is a battlefield.

Los Angeles, the city of dreams and shattered illusions, sets the stage for the ultimate clash between fame and heart. Cooper Davies, lead guitarist for Murderous Crows, now fights a battle against his own tarnished reputation. When incriminating photos of his wild nights surface, his band's future hangs in the balance. Forced into a mentorship program, Cooper's path collides with Sloane Castle, a feisty program director who's all too familiar with the chaos fame can bring.

But love rarely comes easy, and their journey is marked by fiery conflicts and simmering tension. Forced together by circumstance, Sloane and Cooper must navigate their clashing personalities, all while guiding a group of aspiring musicians. As they bring these raw talents to life, they discover an undeniable harmony between them - one that sets their hearts ablaze.

Yet, as their connection deepens, an insidious force threatens to tear them apart. Secrets and sabotage lurk in the shadows, casting doubt on their every move. Betrayal strikes, trust shatters, and their bond is tested in ways they never imagined. As Sloane and Cooper face this relentless storm, they must fight not only for their love but for their very identities.

Overture, book #3 of the Rhapsody Rockstar Series, is a sizzling enemies-to-lovers rockstar romance that hits all the right notes.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Music, Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2023

About the author

Amy Booker is a full-time author and former musician now living her passion of writing complex contemporary romances that immerse readers into the realities—both beautiful and gritty—of life on stage and behind the scenes. Most feature rockstars, while some venture into the glitz of Vegas.

With over a dozen novels under her belt, Amy draws from her own experience to pen authentic plots and multidimensional characters. Never one to shy away from tough topics, her books tackle real situations with emotional depth.

When she's not crafting her next book, you can find Amy embarking on thrilling travels, getting lost in audiobooks, catching Arsenal matches, or tuning into the Critical Role D&D show. She shares her home with rescue pup Gunner and has an adult son with special needs who fills her days with both challenges and immense love.

Stay up-to-date with Amy’s latest heartfelt releases on www.amybookerauthor.com.

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper and Sloane

Cooper is the guitarist for the Murderous Crows and has gotten himself into some trouble. Trying to improve his image he is going to be a mentor in the Rhapsody Foundation of which Sloane is the director. She has heard of the troublesome guitarist and wasn’t looking forward to dealing with him.

Both had hard pasts and they had a chemistry that couldn’t be denied. If you like your rock romances with bad boy rockers, lots of steam and some twists and turns this would be the book for you. Love this series and I can’t to read more from the Murderous Crows.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is the lead guitarist of Murderous Crows and his rockstar lifestyle has him in trouble, again. So to clean up his bad boy image he’s agreed to mentor underprivileged kids at the Rhapsody foundation. Sloane is the director of Rhapsody and from the moment she heard Cooper was chosen as guitarist for the next course she was angry. She had read about Cooper’s reputation and his recent media escapades. If it wasn’t for the donation the label made to the foundation and the fact the decision was taken out of her hand, she would refuse to meet him. The meeting did not go well, she came out swinging and he walked out. He didn’t walk out on the foundation, he’s actually looking forward to working with the kids and I just fell in love with him from there. This story takes off and I’m already all in. Totally love Cooper and the conversations in his head had me laughing out loud.
These two people have been hurt and I love how they open up to each other. When they finally got together I thought my Kindle was going to burst into flames, it was hot. This story has romance, a crazy mean person, and a little mystery crime. The ending was awesome, I love when all loose ends are neatly tied. I’m giving this book five stars and highly recommend it. Already looking forward to book four, Waltz.

[JoJoRe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a troubled rockstar, Cooper meets his soulmate in Sloane in the most unlikely of places at the most unlikely of times.
This book is full of twists and turns with a sweet slow burn.
Cooper’s fame is taking its toll on him but his reckless behaviour lands him in tumultuous waters and in bad need of a good PR stunt; Sloane has lived through the worst the music industry can throw but did not survive unscathed. To succeed as a couple they leave behind past insecurities, old wounds and do a lot of soul searching in the process.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in the world of Murderous Crows, but the story isn't so much about the band as it is about the struggle of their lead guitarist Cooper. His playboy reputation has taken another hit and the band and their label decide that it's time to clean it up, so they make him teach guitar lessons at the Rhapsody Foundation for kids. The director of the foundation Sloane is none too happy about this decision as she wasn’t consulted. Their beginning is rough, but he’s really enjoying his students and they’re both working through their differences beautifully. Very good read.

[Paula Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper Davies has reached the bottom, his reputation is in the gutter. Sloane has been in the music business before, but has had her fingers burnt and her heart broken by those closest to her. But their connection is there from the moment they meet, but how can they really trust the other especially as Cooper doesn’t seem to have stopped his bad boys ways and Sloane is still deeply hurt by her past. Amy has again pulled on our heartstrings and has written a thought provoking romance with plenty of twists and turns. I love Cooper and Sloane, but I would have liked more closure for Sloane in respect of her parents and perhaps shown her beginning to return to her music. But perhaps that’s in a future book?

I was provided with an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Christina's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is impressive for multiple reasons. It's rockstar romance with actually alot of music in it, which is refreshing. It also addresses so many really life issues, including resolving and healing from trauma (childhood and adult). Most of all its a beautifully written romance with a gorgeous rockstar, which is one of my favorite tropes. HEA.
I definitely want to read more from this author.

[Jessica Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read by Amy Booker!! It was almost as we watched the bad boy rocker grow up before our eyes. Of course it wasn’t without heartache and issues getting in the way. Who knew that mentoring kids would be the turning point in both his and Sloane’s life. You could tell that they would get their HEA after their first interaction and Amy wrote it out beautifully!! I can’t wait for the next installment of the Murderous Crows!

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I haven’t read any of the others in the series but this one still worked as a standalone. I was a little disappointed that there was only a little revealed about Sloane’s situation earlier with her music career and how little Cooper knows about the situation. But overall I still enjoyed the story even if some of it seemed a little predictable.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this series ! Great characters and plot. Filled with plenty of emotions, witty and angst. A series you have got to read. Amy Booker does not disappoint.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The band is making a name for themselves so the vultures are circling. Giving back and dealing with their issues creates a new dynamic in the group. Recommend reading the series in order.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like Sloane and failed to finish the book. She was really unreasonably witchy without having even spent any time with her rock star. She was very unprofessional and off putting. I've read three or four of the author's books and I did give them four stars. So it's just this book.

Book was arc from Book sirens.
Thank you very much!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brace yourselves, Amy Booker has just written another stand out rockstar romance with zero glitz, zero glam. It's all heart, growth, hope, and the incredibly painful task of owning your reactions, mistakes, and the realization that every move you make affects someone. It's about being ready to take that hard look in the mirror and hoping you like what you see in the end and it's beautiful.
Cooper is out of control, partying, drinking, going home with a different girl every night, fighting, and it has officially hit the point where the rest of Murderous Crows and the record label have had it. He's starting to cost them their reputation and his friends are losing patience. As an attempt to rehab his image he agrees to volunteer to teach an eight-week session of master guitar lessons at the Rhapsody Foundation for kids. The director is none to happy about a spoiled rockstar who probably won't even show up for most of the classes and could damage the foundations reputation being forced on her. And Sloane has zero problems making it known to Cooper how much she hates it and how little she thinks of him. But Cooper loves a challenge, and he can't deny that he wants Sloane, so he sets out to prove her wrong. Sloane has her own issues with the music industry and Cooper is as good a target as any but the chemistry between them is definitely a problem. And as the weeks pass and Cooper stays out of trouble and really gives it his all Sloane can't help but wonder if he's worth sharing her past with and pinning her future on.
I’m a sucker for the way Amy writes her characters, so much raw emotion from them and she has a knack for getting them to draw emotion out of you, which this one did in spades for me.
It’s a romance book and Sloane and Cooper definitely have that enemies to lovers, forced proximity vibe going on and it totally works. But for me the stand out moments are Coopers interaction with the kids, the realization of how much of his life he's tried to just numb away so he can't feel the hurt, and the fact that he's always pushed people away because he's never felt like he deserved to be loved. That he's working with teens and young adults also gets me because when he sees them he sees them in such an amazing way and that's what resonates with me. This book is a fabulous addition to the Murderous Crows series and another get this on your tbr list now story for Amy Booker.

[Jane Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Rhapsody Series from Amy Booker and it's another winner for me! I love her rockstars and this book is awesome! In this book we meet Cooper Davies, the lead guitarist for Murderous Crows. Cooper has been getting himself into a lot of trouble; his drinking and carousing is getting out of hand and each time it happens it is all over the news. Some photos of him have surfaced and it is now putting the whole band into jeopardy. He is forced into a mentorship at The Rhapsody Foundation in L.A, which was set up to introduce music to vulnerable inner city youth. Sloane Castle is the program director and when she hears that Cooper Davies is to be a mentor she is not happy. Sloane comes from a musical background which caused her a lot of grief and she thinks that Cooper will not take his mentorship seriously. When Cooper meets Sloane and she tells him how she feels, he is determined to prove to her that he can be a good influence for the children. Sloane and Cooper develop feelings for each other and their chemistry is off the charts but some problems with a couple of the students interferes with their relationship. Cooper is determined to show Sloane that he is as serious about the kids as he is about her. Throw in a not very nice journalist who is happy to cause problems between Cooper and Sloane, and a runaway child, and you have the makings of a bright future or shattered trust.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rockstars are my favorite!

I love Ms. Booker's style of writing ... her characters are so down to earth and the banter between the characters is very realistic. I felt so sorry for Sloane, the way her parents treated her, but I didn't understand why she just didn't go out on her own instead of giving up her music. Cooper is the typical hunky rockstar that has a hard time with becoming famous quickly. Anyone could see the sparks that flew between Cooper and Sloane, were more than angry ... you know that fine line between love and hate. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book.

Cooper is the lead guitarist in the Murderous Crows rock band and he's been in the tabloids for bad Behaviour one too many times. He's advised to try and turn that bad image around by mentoring at the Rhapsody Foundation. When he comes face-to-face with the foundation's program director Sloane, he doesn't understand why she hates him so much when she doesn't even know him. Sloane knows all about bad boy rockstars and has been there, done that ... she wants no part of Cooper and his wild ways. The only problem is the undeniable chemistry between them.

I received an early copy courtesy of BookSirens.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This doesn't start out with a lot of romance. The male protagonist is a stereotypical crazed rocker, out of control and sliding so bad, he could lose his band. The female protagonist has more than her share of bad behavior in her history, but the bad came from those in authority who stifled her creativity. Now, she's the hyper-vigilant head of a respected music program for troubled teens. Crazed rocker becomes one of the mentors without her consent and the relationship is rocky. There are some odd acts of violence, mostly against Cooper. Somehow the whole thing becomes a love story, rocker redeemed thing.

Two things were left hanging for me. The teen who perpetrated the violence is missing. There's no information about him being brought to justice or anything until the end when he's in his third treatment center and doing better. And, while Cooper seems to have made changes to become a better person etc., Sloane doesn't really address her issues aside from telling her parents to leave her alone. This apparently brilliant composer/performer still doesn't perform or write her own music.

I felt like the end of the book was rushed and the Sloane character was never made whole again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the world of Murderous Crows, this story isn't so much about the band as it is about the struggle and redemption of the very sexy lead guitarist, Cooper Davies. This playboy's reputation has taken another hit and the band and their label decide that it's time to clean it up. Teaching guitar lessons at the Rhapsody Foundation for kids is a step in the right direction, but it isn't without some pushback. Sloane is the director of the Foundation and she's none too happy to find out that Cooper was hired as the guitarist and she wasn't even consulted. Their beginning is rough, almost painful to watch, but their inner musings tell us everything we need to know about their true feelings. Cooper is really enjoying his students and they're flourishing under his tutelage, but Ethan and Penny have issues that cause a good deal of tension and mystery. I really like how Sloan and Cooper worked through their differences, especially when their deep hurts are revealed. And the serious issues facing Penny and Ethan are dealt with professionally and with empathy. The loose ends are all tied up, but a little bit of information is still needed to find out what the future holds for Ethan.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- Cooper and Sloane
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Rockstar Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️). Slow burn then flame.
Series? Y
Safety: Y, meaning no cheating or s. violence. Also, no OM/OW drama, no cliffhanger. HEA.
Triggers- Language, violence, explicit erotic content, vandalism.
Tropes- Enemies to Lovers, Matching Set of Emotional Baggage With Hatbox and Train Case, Good Girl/Bad Boy.
What I liked- I particularly liked Penny. I got very invested in her story. And Cooper is a Ginger! Yum!
What I didn’t- sometimes the angst turned into wangst. And at times her dislike for him was OTT. And the chemistry between them sometimes fell flat. And the book talked about their banter more than it showed it.
Can we talk about- The cover. Cooper is a redhead. The cover model is dirty blond. It’s a little thing, but it bugged me.
Verdict- I gave this one 3 stars because there were issues that kept it from being four.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with so much emotions for both Cooper a Rockstar and Sloane a Director at a Foundation for disadvantage youth. Both are struggling with issues that allows them not to trust people… Sloane instantly doesn't like Cooper, doesn't really give the poor guy a chance. I must say… My heart really went out to Cooper which is sorta strange being I am into all about girl power… but the writer in my opinion protrayed Sloane into a very judgemental person… especially where Cooper was concerned. I loved Cooper throughout the book seemed as if the poor guy could not get a break… Sloane her character didn't impress me until much later… but finally saw her heart. This story has drame, mystery and kept me intrigue about the coffee mystery… it does have a HEA. I recommend the book.

I received this as an ARC and leaving my honest opinion voluntarily.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in Booker's Rhapsody series and another great addition to this series. Main characters are Cooper and Sloane. Cooper is the lead guitarist of rock band Murderous Crows and finds himself in trouble yet again... Sloan runs the Rhapsody foundation which is a program for underprivileged kids. This is where these two meet and while they are more opposites than anything there is definite chemistry from the start. A slow burn with wonderful character growth and all the feels. Booker delights with this book - captivating from start to finish I absolutely love it!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad boy guitarist, Cooper’s past is causing problems. To fix things he takes part in a mentorship program where he meets Sloane and sparks fly, just not the good kind.
Both have experienced hurt but the program brings them together and those angry sparks turn to hot, hot flames.
Full of great twists, angst, slow burn chemistry, steam, lots of emotion, redemption, fun banter and a beautiful HEA.
Amy Booker sure knows how to crack your heart and twist your emotions, her characters are flawed and realistic and I love this series.
Looking forward to book 4.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting back into the lives of the Murderous Crows was fantastic, a book full of emotion, I’ll admit I laughed and cried, Sloane and Cooper are both broken, hiding their true selves behind a carefully constructed facade, Cooper needs to fix his reputation and a mentorship seems the perfect solution. Sloane doesn’t believe he is in it for the right reasons, but is her past colouring her views of Cooper. They clash instantly, but underneath that passion are two similar souls hiding from the world. Can they actually help each other?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane and Cooper . . .

Cooper Davies, lead guitarist for Murderous Crows, has finally gone too far. He has just about left his reputation in shambles and needs to fix his image in a hurry. One way is to do good for others, so he will offer his mentoring skills through the Rhapsody Foundation working with the director, Sloane Castle, who knows of his reputation and is wary. The only hopeful fact is that she came through a difficult past as well. Can they end up helping each other with his over the top notoriety? Or will they end up adding to it?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the "Rhapsody" series that features band members of the Murderous Crows. This is a slow burn romance and when things heat up they toss flames. It is about Cooper and Sloane. Connor, is the lead guitarist for the band, and has found himself in another PR nightmare. Connor is set to mentor kids in the organization that Sloane is the program director for. Sloane has been burned before and is not happy about Connor coming on board. This a heartwarming story that features two people who have been hurt before. Such an incredible read! I love the characters!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the series, could be read standalone but characters from previous make appearances.
He got himself into trouble and on the first page of tabloids.
She is a program director for Rapsody Foundation where Cooper has to do volunteer work, mentoring others.
Sloane came from similar background and dislike him because she knows musicians mentality, or she thinks so.
Love is thin line between love and hate.
Will Cooper prove her wrong?
Very well written story with a lot of angst,drama and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to love.

MF. Enemies to Lovers, Contemporary, Rockstar, Romance. Easy to read page-turner, this is the third book of the series and I recommend reading as part of the series and in series order due to how the stories follow on from each other and so that you understand the issues and the backstory. A great read full of emotion, angst, steam and past trauma's. Definitely some teary moments and heartstrings pulled. Guaranteed HEA.

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is perfect. Overture is a multifaceted and beautiful story about a traumatized rockstar and a broken music foundation director who are both searching for tranquility and purpose. Overture is grand. Overture is kindness. Cooper and Sloane are an enticing couple who discover that the past drama does not have to define their future. I just love their journey. A perfect story of love, forgiveness, and the best kind of happily ever after.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The story was full of depth and emotion. It had a great back story and you could empathise with both Sloane and Cooper about their difficulties and why they acted the way they did.
The chemistry between Cooper and Sloane was intense. Their relationship was complex and you felt invested in them.
This is a great book and is a must read.

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! Cooper and Sloan have just blown me away! The things they’ve been through as young people individually are enough to make you cry, but they have both come out, stronger for it. They learned what is important is honesty, loyalty, integrity. I truly love how they put the kids first and being a mentor means everything to them. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story. Interesting take on a rock star’s road to self awareness and healing. The characters both in the band family and at the music foundation were memorable.

I didn’t feel the emotions as much as I would have liked.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Cooper!

Loved Cooper’s story! He and hard nosed Sloane were perfect for each other. She was demanding of him enough to make him start having some personal accountability for his behavior. Cooper was just what Sloane needed to get past her trust issues and what an unlikely person to help her with learning to trust!