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Beat Matching: A Holiday Story

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Primrose, a college student working on her master’s degree, heads back to her hometown of Sable Falls for the holiday break. She’s staying with her lifelong friend, Bristol, and Bristol’s big brother, Horatio. Horatio isn’t just any older brother—he’s the guy Primrose used to have a huge crush on. Now, he’s a popular DJ with a voice everyone knows from his afternoon radio show.

Coming home stirs up old feelings for Primrose. Being around Horatio again, she starts to wonder if she ever really got over her childhood crush. Horatio is also feeling the spark.

As they spend time together during the holiday break, they both recognize that their friendship might be evolving into something deeper. Laughter, shared memories, and the creation of new experiences provide the backdrop for their growing connection.

In the world of music, beat matching is the art of aligning and synchronizing the beats of two songs, creating a seamless and harmonious musical journey. Could the same magic happen with matters of the heart?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2023

65 people are currently reading
33 people want to read

About the author

Bailey West

30 books199 followers

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5 stars
132 (64%)
4 stars
52 (25%)
3 stars
19 (9%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,608 reviews106 followers
December 27, 2023
Miss West, you ended your year on a high note ma’am! I loved this story! Although a bit different from your normal reads, I'm all about different! ❤

Primrose has been in love with her best friend’s brother, since the day they met. Due to the age difference, it was never a possibility in their younger years. Now that they’ve grown up hmmmm…….

Horatio gets an invitation to speak at a college music class by Prim, his little sister’s best friend. When he sees her, he immediately thinks, mannnn, did Prim grow up! 😜 They fall into an easy groove, with conversation, that quickly becomes a daily occurrence. It doesn’t take long for them to realize their feelings are more than friendly, but how do I tell him/her?

As they build their adult friendship, they had deep conversations about music, a passion they both share, reminisced about their childhoods, and supported the other while they lived their lives; and tried to navigate these new feelings.

It took them a minute to finally break down and talk, but when they did, it was on and poppin’! A sweet read, that gave me all the feelings, and taught me a lil music history along the way. Really enjoyed it! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,078 reviews121 followers
December 23, 2023
A little different

Although I really enjoyed this story, it did not click on all cylinders like the usual Bailey West story she delivers. I guess the age group in the story might be the sticking point. I guess? But, anyway, the writing was on point, the plot was cute, and the follow through in the storyline met the required plot synchronization to be believable and the characters likable. No drama to report... I loved it... 4.75 stars.
Profile Image for Nikita.
348 reviews17 followers
December 28, 2023
Primrose and Horatio blossoming relationship was slow pace but once they declared their feelings it picked it. The Christmas vibes and date was too cute. 3.5⭐️. Ms M had me laughing.
Profile Image for Gussie Porter.
220 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2024
long time love interest.❤️

This short story was very cute. I loved the way the characters didn’t hesitate to long to express their feelings for one another.The sisters in the story were true sisters. Bristol and Primrose loved each other so much they had to become sisters by marriage but had been sisters all along. Primrose career choice was different but it fit the author’s description of how she was. Horatio was a strong caring man who knew what he wanted and went for it . I loved his style. This book was recommended to many friends and my sister, Bailey only gets five stars because she writes with her heart. I’m 59 but will be writing down my future goals for the second half of my life and I do know that God is always there with and for me. Thank you Mrs. West.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️❤️
116 reviews
January 9, 2024
It’s a hit!!

I loved everything about this story, the characters were endearing and the plot was believable and enjoyable to read as it unfolded.

It’s still difficult to believe that Ray was single and without any woman lurking in the shadows but since this was a “short”, I can definitely live with the lack of drama.

I especially enjoyed the word Bailey delivered about the widow and the oil. Thank you Bailey for a great story and imparting a word to propel us into our purpose this new year!
35 reviews
December 25, 2023
BEAUTIFUL

I absolutely loved this book. I have read all of Bailey West books to date, and have never been disappointed. I love the fact that Prim and Horatio were able to reconnect after all those years later. I love holiday love stories. I love that Prim worked on her relationship with her father and that Bristol and Brayden were together too. All in all, I will read this book again!!!
1,105 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2023
Beat Matching

This was a cute story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. The book was a bit of a slow burn but it was clear to see that both Primrose and Horatio liked each other and wanted to explore something more, but it took a while for them to finally take that leap and admit their feelings for the other. I really liked that they were so in sync and had so many things in common.
305 reviews
December 28, 2024
As usual…

As usual, Bailey west tells a great story! I’ve had this book for a year and forgot it was on my Christmas read list. I had to read it before the new year and it was so good. Horatio’s and Prim’s love for each other was beautiful to watch develop. This was a feel good story.

Now that encouraging word at the end was exactly what I needed. Thank you for being led to share some godly wisdom with your readers. I for one appreciate it and needed the reminder. ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Angelia Menchan.
95 reviews27 followers
December 28, 2023
Beats Indeed

I enjoyed Horatio and Prim’s story. It was a great friend to lovers story that took its time, immersing us in getting to know them. There were funny and very real moments including Bris, Prim’s BFF and Horacio’s sister. Read and find out for yourself. Great holiday reading.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
806 reviews17 followers
January 11, 2024
Great Story

Great Holiday Story, it had me laughing and crying. Bailey does not disappoint at all. The Golden Crew was my highlight of the story, but chapter WAIT was the best part of the book for me. That was a very encouraging chapter and I read it twice. Thank you to the Author for those words.
34 reviews
January 13, 2024
The ratio is beat:beat!

Just enough for a good read over the holidays! Horatio and PrimRose timing was just right! I was smiling thru the whole book! If you like good music ,you can hear and feel the beat when reading this story too! Bailey has done it again, this is a satisfying read with a reassuring message of Love! Go ahead purchase and read !
Profile Image for Tikia.
411 reviews
January 14, 2024
Phenomenal book

Phenomenal book for a music head like me! is a beautiful story with a lot of characteristics that we all probably share, like the debate on whether the Die Hard movie was a Christmas movie or not. Lol
The "Wait" Interlude is just what the Lord ordered for me to read at this time in my life. Read it, you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Michelle .
84 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2024
Soul Mate

I really enjoyed this love story . It really made me believe that true love really exist . I also took away the fact that sometimes we need to , look at things from another person perspective . The whole scenario with her dad gave me a different outlook once Ray gave his input
34 reviews
January 29, 2024
Awesome

I am a fan of B. W. books I love the mannerism, thoughtfulness, Outlook , mindfulness, caring love, insight, fulfillment, consideration sense of humor, development to listen to each other
To find a love ship friendship that is already place before you that blossom and bloom to something that outstanding.
Profile Image for Kikibo Harris.
27 reviews
January 25, 2025
Music Nerds, United in Love!

I truly enjoyed this story!
Bailey West is fast becoming a favorite go-to for fun, well-thought-out romance reads! No plot is the same and the smart, quirky characters have beautiful back stories, and oh they look like me and my friends!! Great combination that can’t be beat!
Profile Image for Dannie Johnson.
95 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2025
I really liked this one. Primrose and Horatio had great chemistry, and their connection felt real and grown. Horatio was calm and patient, and I loved how he gave Primrose the space to be herself. It was soft, sweet, and easy in the best way. Bailey West gave us a chill, feel-good romance with just enough depth to keep you hooked.
237 reviews7 followers
December 25, 2023
loved Prim and Horacio

Prim and Horatio grew up together and somewhere along the way, feelings started to change. With a delayed flight, feelings could be explored more and love could blossom. Beautiful story!
727 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2023
Beat

I got to say this cover is what drew me to this book. So if you're looking for a no drama love story, this is it. I love the music foundation in the book. The heat was on simmer until the mid end of the book.
720 reviews
January 11, 2024
Vickie J

There is nothing like falling in love with someone that you have known for a while and your best friend brother that makes it sweeter, I enjoyed how Ray played it out and Prim was there to receive it all.
Profile Image for Taylor Jackson.
9 reviews
March 12, 2024
A short that felt long

It started off good but got slow in the middle. The build up felt awkward instead of romantic and took too long for them to finally get together. Once they did get together though it got much better
Profile Image for Ru.
76 reviews
January 16, 2026
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

This delightful and quick holiday read is truly charming and adorable. I enjoyed every one of the characters and the storyline so much. I definitely recommend giving it a read!
165 reviews
December 23, 2023
yay…

So much punch for such a short story. I loved all substance and character building and background and parental relationships. Happy for Prim and Ray.
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
654 reviews6 followers
December 24, 2023
Cute ❤️

This was a cute story! I liked the fact that these were grown people developing adult relationships. The Christmas vibe was definitely felt.
62 reviews
December 25, 2023
So good

The book was right on time!I had so many things happen this year, so reading this book was so uplifting.Thanks keep writing.
267 reviews
December 28, 2023
Music and Love

I rated it a 3 because it started getting good around 75% but the Word at the end came at a time when I needed it.
698 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2023
Too Short

I wanted more of Ray and Prim’s story. I did enjoy the book, just wanted more! Maybe we will hear more about them in the next book?
Profile Image for Marshall Thompson.
412 reviews
December 30, 2023
Two Hearts

Two Hearts One Beat….Matched
I truly enjoyed the journey of Ratio and Prim. Love 💕 is often right in front of waiting for the perfect moment to blossom!
Profile Image for Cynthia Taylor.
221 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2024
Patient Love

This is a prime example that some of the best things in life at worth the wait! Love, Faith and Trust!
Profile Image for Jibria.
302 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2024
Hallmark Christmas

Loved this story as it was simple and sweet. No drama which I can appreciate. Give this book a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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