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Beautiful Rhythm
When life gives you a sprained wrist and a hot new neighbor, make it the best summer of your life.
As a successful concert pianist with three million Spotify listeners to his name, Oliver Taylor has it all figured out. He’s got his piano, his routines, and a small but close group of friends even if he doesn’t see them as much as he’d like. Love? No, thanks—he’s just fine without a girl on his arm.
That’s until a sprained wrist shatters his comfortable routine.
Add a new neighbor and his two friendly dogs, and it’s a Texas summer unlike any before: armed with a dimpled smile and the body of a Greek god, Jamie is determined to introduce Oliver to all the things he’s been missing out on—including dating, casual drinks with friends, and maybe, possibly, a clue or two about Oliver’s own sexuality.
Beautiful Rhythm is a slow-burn MM romance featuring mutual pining, sun-drenched lake escapes, and two men afraid to risk a wonderful friendship in an uncertain gamble for something more—but there’s really no fighting the pull between them.
As a successful concert pianist with three million Spotify listeners to his name, Oliver Taylor has it all figured out. He’s got his piano, his routines, and a small but close group of friends even if he doesn’t see them as much as he’d like. Love? No, thanks—he’s just fine without a girl on his arm.
That’s until a sprained wrist shatters his comfortable routine.
Add a new neighbor and his two friendly dogs, and it’s a Texas summer unlike any before: armed with a dimpled smile and the body of a Greek god, Jamie is determined to introduce Oliver to all the things he’s been missing out on—including dating, casual drinks with friends, and maybe, possibly, a clue or two about Oliver’s own sexuality.
Beautiful Rhythm is a slow-burn MM romance featuring mutual pining, sun-drenched lake escapes, and two men afraid to risk a wonderful friendship in an uncertain gamble for something more—but there’s really no fighting the pull between them.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
49 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Zarah Detand
19 books440 followersWriter of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 7, 2023
I'm debating about how I feel about this story. Ollie's just okay but Jaime's so sweet and charming. Got a bit of angst on the perceived unrequited love and the pining and ending was really nice. However, I had trouble focusing on the first half of the story which affected the ending's impact for me. It's probably the writing style that I can't connect with since they're a new-to-me author. Will try another one of their work next time.
July 9, 2024
I am giving this ALL THE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Simply because I haven't felt this SATISFIED over a romance for a while now - so it has edge better compared to other books I finished in the past few months.
I was SO INVESTED in Oliver... going through his bisexuality awakening over his neighbor doctor, Jamie. I LOVED their time together. I loved their conversations. I loved their friends as well (so colorful, their friends).
And the moment that Oliver finally able to tell Jamie his feelings, I actually had tears in my eyes. Like, FINALLY, OLIVER & JAMIE!! I loved them so much. I have no complaints whatsoever.
This book...
Simply because I haven't felt this SATISFIED over a romance for a while now - so it has edge better compared to other books I finished in the past few months.
I was SO INVESTED in Oliver... going through his bisexuality awakening over his neighbor doctor, Jamie. I LOVED their time together. I loved their conversations. I loved their friends as well (so colorful, their friends).
And the moment that Oliver finally able to tell Jamie his feelings, I actually had tears in my eyes. Like, FINALLY, OLIVER & JAMIE!! I loved them so much. I have no complaints whatsoever.
This book...
September 5, 2021
Those who have read Zarah Detand’s books before, already knows that she is a master of sculpturing and forming relationships between her characters. This book and its relationships isn’t an exception!
The love story that unfurls between the two main characters is a slow burn friends to lovers romance, and while they are totally lovable characters you repeatedly find yourself wanting to shove them in to each others arms or hitting them hard since it isn’t always evident to them what they could have together.
The friendships between the young men (and woman) of this book, are beautifully portrayed and I so wish they were my friends looking out for me and caring for me. In a sense they are because you get to know them and you can’t help but feeling love for Zarah Detand’s characters and they make you return to her books over and over again, always wishing she would write another one!
The love story that unfurls between the two main characters is a slow burn friends to lovers romance, and while they are totally lovable characters you repeatedly find yourself wanting to shove them in to each others arms or hitting them hard since it isn’t always evident to them what they could have together.
The friendships between the young men (and woman) of this book, are beautifully portrayed and I so wish they were my friends looking out for me and caring for me. In a sense they are because you get to know them and you can’t help but feeling love for Zarah Detand’s characters and they make you return to her books over and over again, always wishing she would write another one!
September 10, 2021
Slow, slow, slow burn.
Oliver and Jamie don't get together until 84% and Jamie has a boyfriend for a large portion of the book.
Too much dithering and miscommunication (urgh), not enough romance - although Oliver writing music for/about Jamie was sweet and the subsequent sexy times hot( 2 words "piano" and "bj" 😝). There also wasn't enough time with Oliver and Jamie as an actual couple.
So this one didn't work for me sadly.
Oliver and Jamie don't get together until 84% and Jamie has a boyfriend for a large portion of the book.
Too much dithering and miscommunication (urgh), not enough romance - although Oliver writing music for/about Jamie was sweet and the subsequent sexy times hot( 2 words "piano" and "bj" 😝). There also wasn't enough time with Oliver and Jamie as an actual couple.
So this one didn't work for me sadly.
August 31, 2021
5 stars - perfect for any slow burn, friends to lovers fans
I love Zarah's writing style - as with all her books, I simultaneously wanted to speed through the story and to slow down and savor it - as well as her ability to portray real characters with such depth and to create great slow-burn chemistry between her MCs.
Oliver and Jamie in Beautiful Rhythm were a joy to get to know and love as they went from new neighbors to fast & deep friends to lovers, with just the right amount of inner and outer turmoil along the way. The dialogue between them is a big part of the relationship-building - from the funny banter to the hints of vulnerability they gradually share with each other (and with us as well), their conversations are a huge part of what makes the characters and the relationship so believable.
The cast of secondary characters, Jamie's and Oliver's friends, are another lovely aspect of this story, each with their own distinct personality. It was fun to see Oliver becoming friends with Jamie's friends and to see them root for the relationship.
I adored getting pulled into this story, into Oliver's head, and into his friendship (and then more!) with Jamie; I just gulped down the pages until I was close to the end then slowed waaaay down to make it last, like the last bit of ice cream in the bowl!
An Advance Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love Zarah's writing style - as with all her books, I simultaneously wanted to speed through the story and to slow down and savor it - as well as her ability to portray real characters with such depth and to create great slow-burn chemistry between her MCs.
Oliver and Jamie in Beautiful Rhythm were a joy to get to know and love as they went from new neighbors to fast & deep friends to lovers, with just the right amount of inner and outer turmoil along the way. The dialogue between them is a big part of the relationship-building - from the funny banter to the hints of vulnerability they gradually share with each other (and with us as well), their conversations are a huge part of what makes the characters and the relationship so believable.
The cast of secondary characters, Jamie's and Oliver's friends, are another lovely aspect of this story, each with their own distinct personality. It was fun to see Oliver becoming friends with Jamie's friends and to see them root for the relationship.
I adored getting pulled into this story, into Oliver's head, and into his friendship (and then more!) with Jamie; I just gulped down the pages until I was close to the end then slowed waaaay down to make it last, like the last bit of ice cream in the bowl!
An Advance Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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August 12, 2024I like what this is trying for, but it’s pretty clunky. DNF @ 25%.
June 3, 2025
Rating - 4.5 rounded up to 5
I can't believe I let this sit on my Kindle for 3 months!! This was a beautiful way to start my pride month reading 🥹💙
I am so glad I decided to finally read this! 4 hours later and I am already done with a big smile on my face. These two are the sweetest! Just the right amount of yearning, sexual tension, and romance ❤️
If you are looking for a low spice MM read, this is a perfect one. I was smiling the entire way through and I am going to miss Oliver and Jamie 🥹
Everyone else was amazing too. Especially Pete! It was a quick yet heartwarming read.
I can't believe I let this sit on my Kindle for 3 months!! This was a beautiful way to start my pride month reading 🥹💙
I am so glad I decided to finally read this! 4 hours later and I am already done with a big smile on my face. These two are the sweetest! Just the right amount of yearning, sexual tension, and romance ❤️
If you are looking for a low spice MM read, this is a perfect one. I was smiling the entire way through and I am going to miss Oliver and Jamie 🥹
Everyone else was amazing too. Especially Pete! It was a quick yet heartwarming read.
January 23, 2024
I read the kindle edition with a cover closer to the paperback art goodreads lists, so a more recent edition, whatever that means. Typos were few, something I always appreciate.
This one lacks smoothness here & there, which I only know because I read the ARC of Amid Our Lines, which is nearly perfect. But I enjoyed Beautiful Rhythm; I appreciated Oliver's point of view and dilemmas, and I appreciated their friends a lot. The dogs are fun, the agent is a little scary. The descriptions are close to perfect. The banter is delightful. Glad I bought it. :)
This one lacks smoothness here & there, which I only know because I read the ARC of Amid Our Lines, which is nearly perfect. But I enjoyed Beautiful Rhythm; I appreciated Oliver's point of view and dilemmas, and I appreciated their friends a lot. The dogs are fun, the agent is a little scary. The descriptions are close to perfect. The banter is delightful. Glad I bought it. :)
January 13, 2024
This beautiful tale starts off gentle, turning to all kinds of sweet and funny, sadly then the angst rears its ugly head. It becomes so angsty it actually hurts while reading it, we feel the pain Oliver goes through. This is beautifully written, Jamie and Oliver are affecting characters giving us a wonderful story. A new author to me, loving her style.
October 28, 2024
Oliver is happily playing his way through life, his fingers making magic on keyboards across the world at concert halls and theaters before returning to his comfortable home to practice, eat some food and do a bit of running to keep in shape.
When Jamie, the very handsome doctor, moves in next door, Oliver is interested to become friends and have a running partner, and someone with great dogs to play with, and someone to hang out with and share meals with and wow Jamie has a hot athletic body.
Oliver has been seen with girls in newspapers and magazines but had never realized he might be into men - or rather one specific man.
A sprained wrist and enforced rest makes Oliver crazy that he cannot get to his practice, but having to spend more time with Jamie cannot be a bad thing…can it?
A love story of the concert pianist and the doctor!
Fun and gentle, explicit scenes so for adults!
When Jamie, the very handsome doctor, moves in next door, Oliver is interested to become friends and have a running partner, and someone with great dogs to play with, and someone to hang out with and share meals with and wow Jamie has a hot athletic body.
Oliver has been seen with girls in newspapers and magazines but had never realized he might be into men - or rather one specific man.
A sprained wrist and enforced rest makes Oliver crazy that he cannot get to his practice, but having to spend more time with Jamie cannot be a bad thing…can it?
A love story of the concert pianist and the doctor!
Fun and gentle, explicit scenes so for adults!
October 8, 2023
Oliver loves playing piano, which is a good thing since he was pushed hard by his parents since his child prodigy days. He's carved out a spot at the top of the classical world, featured as a soloist and headlining shows of his own, although he has no illusions about the degree to which his good looks and an open-shirt album cover early in his career have contributed to his popularity. Many of his fans wouldn't be there if he was an unattractive fifty-year-old playing the same music. So he's pretty jaded about people wanting to be with him, and he's not dated for over a year. Still, he has it great - money and music, travel and acclaim, and if he wanted a woman, he could find one.
Then pediatrician-in-training Jamie moves in next door, with his sunny smile and his two dogs, and his attractive abs, and his friendliness. And somehow, gradually, as friendship grows, Oliver comes to realize he wants more than he's ever had, like maybe his own person to come home to. Except Jamie first met Oliver when he thought he was straight, and that's difficult to undo. And Jamie has found a new boyfriend, while Oliver dithered.
This is a slow, slow burn, which I enjoy. I liked that the straight-to-bi/gay realization wasn't traumatic. Oliver went to Juliard, he knew enough gay musicians to be comfortable, and when he begins to rethink his own sexuality, it's not a huge crisis. His biggest issue is shyness, discomfort, a fear of upsetting a friendship he's come to count on. The progression of the slow burn makes me want to smack Oliver but it feels plausible, in a person who has been a people-pleaser all his life due to cold and demanding parenting, and who would rather take the easy road of doing nothing than do something wrong.
The best friends are great, the dogs are fun. This is a pretty simple undramatic story, but it carried me along. The ending is a sweet hug of an HEA, and this goes on my comfort-reread shelf.
Then pediatrician-in-training Jamie moves in next door, with his sunny smile and his two dogs, and his attractive abs, and his friendliness. And somehow, gradually, as friendship grows, Oliver comes to realize he wants more than he's ever had, like maybe his own person to come home to. Except Jamie first met Oliver when he thought he was straight, and that's difficult to undo. And Jamie has found a new boyfriend, while Oliver dithered.
This is a slow, slow burn, which I enjoy. I liked that the straight-to-bi/gay realization wasn't traumatic. Oliver went to Juliard, he knew enough gay musicians to be comfortable, and when he begins to rethink his own sexuality, it's not a huge crisis. His biggest issue is shyness, discomfort, a fear of upsetting a friendship he's come to count on. The progression of the slow burn makes me want to smack Oliver but it feels plausible, in a person who has been a people-pleaser all his life due to cold and demanding parenting, and who would rather take the easy road of doing nothing than do something wrong.
The best friends are great, the dogs are fun. This is a pretty simple undramatic story, but it carried me along. The ending is a sweet hug of an HEA, and this goes on my comfort-reread shelf.
September 11, 2021
4 stars.
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. It's my second book from the author and everything that I loved about Pull Me Under is here too. The writing, the characters, the feelings, all of it.
It's told solely from Oliver's POV. Him and Jamie are sweet, the kind of character that makes you feel warm. The story is quite focused on the relationship development but with it comes Oliver growth, two cute dogs and a group of friends I would love to read more about it.
I'm pretty sure I would read any MM books the author decides to publish.
Before I got where this was going, I was sure the problems Jamie and Oliver would face would be of a completely different variant. I normally would hate where it ended up but here it works. Full credit to Detand, who does a beautiful job making the reader believe in the emotions and motivations behind Oliver's actions.
My one little niggle with the book is the length. It's very short and I wanted more of our MCs together. It seems (with my gigantic pool of two books, I know) that the author favors the angst of the getting together more than the happiness of it. Which is fine, it's just something I will need to remember so I can't adjust my exceptions next time. Besides that, I loved it.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. It's my second book from the author and everything that I loved about Pull Me Under is here too. The writing, the characters, the feelings, all of it.
It's told solely from Oliver's POV. Him and Jamie are sweet, the kind of character that makes you feel warm. The story is quite focused on the relationship development but with it comes Oliver growth, two cute dogs and a group of friends I would love to read more about it.
I'm pretty sure I would read any MM books the author decides to publish.
Before I got where this was going, I was sure the problems Jamie and Oliver would face would be of a completely different variant. I normally would hate where it ended up but here it works. Full credit to Detand, who does a beautiful job making the reader believe in the emotions and motivations behind Oliver's actions.
My one little niggle with the book is the length. It's very short and I wanted more of our MCs together. It seems (with my gigantic pool of two books, I know) that the author favors the angst of the getting together more than the happiness of it. Which is fine, it's just something I will need to remember so I can't adjust my exceptions next time. Besides that, I loved it.
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Strong homophobia:
Triggers:
HEA:
February 20, 2023
This is the second book I read from this author and, like the first one, I’d rate it 3,5 stars but, given that that’s not possible, I decided to be generous and round it up.
Things that this author is great at:
- managing to tell the whole story from one of the MCs perspective and still make it quite clear what the other one is going through, though the obliviousness of the narrator-MC is tremendous.
- slow burn! And I mean SLOW. And ridiculous amounts of pinning.
- amazing friendships, inner jokes, etc. the relationship between the MCs as friend is terribly credible and relatable because she is great at creating honest friendships.
- very nice secondary characters. The friends of both the MCs are great and very fun.
This book also has a very clean and clear s3xual awakening, without homophobia (internal or otherwise), which I really appreciated.
I didn’t love the AMOUNT of pinning and HOW SLOW the slow burn is. It also happened in the other book I read from her, 85% of the book is friendship development and mutual pinning, with very little of them actually being happy together. I ended up wanting for more.
Also, there is a lot of mentions to one of the MCs parents being border abusive while he was growing up and that’s not solved or dealt with properly in the book.
Overall, a fun read, but not my favorite.
Things that this author is great at:
- managing to tell the whole story from one of the MCs perspective and still make it quite clear what the other one is going through, though the obliviousness of the narrator-MC is tremendous.
- slow burn! And I mean SLOW. And ridiculous amounts of pinning.
- amazing friendships, inner jokes, etc. the relationship between the MCs as friend is terribly credible and relatable because she is great at creating honest friendships.
- very nice secondary characters. The friends of both the MCs are great and very fun.
This book also has a very clean and clear s3xual awakening, without homophobia (internal or otherwise), which I really appreciated.
I didn’t love the AMOUNT of pinning and HOW SLOW the slow burn is. It also happened in the other book I read from her, 85% of the book is friendship development and mutual pinning, with very little of them actually being happy together. I ended up wanting for more.
Also, there is a lot of mentions to one of the MCs parents being border abusive while he was growing up and that’s not solved or dealt with properly in the book.
Overall, a fun read, but not my favorite.
May 9, 2024
3,75 stars
I do have a little soft spot for artists, and musicians in particular.
So no way could I have missed this story!
Oliver is a popular concert pianist whose life revolves around his piano probably a little bit too much. He forgets to live in favour of practicing and rehearsing. I really liked Oliver (we are in his POV only), particularly when he starts figuring out that maybe he isn’t as straight as he thought.
And that’s all down to Jamie who sweeps into Oliver’s life and slots in perfectly. Dogs and all! I really love how so many dogs pop up in Zarah Detand’s books!
Jamie is just the nicest guy: genuine, open, easy to talk to and down-right wonderful. No wonder Oliver starts questioning himself and his feelings!
Lovely romance, super-cute dialogues and a teeny little tension (it takes Oliver quite a while to act upon his feelings!) Maybe, all in all, this felt a little bit too short and underdeveloped, but I certainly enjoyed it anyway.
A very pleasant, worthwhile read.
I do have a little soft spot for artists, and musicians in particular.
So no way could I have missed this story!
Oliver is a popular concert pianist whose life revolves around his piano probably a little bit too much. He forgets to live in favour of practicing and rehearsing. I really liked Oliver (we are in his POV only), particularly when he starts figuring out that maybe he isn’t as straight as he thought.
And that’s all down to Jamie who sweeps into Oliver’s life and slots in perfectly. Dogs and all! I really love how so many dogs pop up in Zarah Detand’s books!
Jamie is just the nicest guy: genuine, open, easy to talk to and down-right wonderful. No wonder Oliver starts questioning himself and his feelings!
Lovely romance, super-cute dialogues and a teeny little tension (it takes Oliver quite a while to act upon his feelings!) Maybe, all in all, this felt a little bit too short and underdeveloped, but I certainly enjoyed it anyway.
A very pleasant, worthwhile read.
December 5, 2023
Beautiful Rhythm
****** Spoiler Alert ******
I adore the way this author writes. After reading Wear it Like a Crown, I felt I had to eat up more of this delicious writing. Beautiful Rhythm does not disappoint.
Oliver Taylor is a world renowned concert pianist. His new next door neighbor, Jamie is the nephew of his regular neighbor. He is there for his pediatric residency. He has 2 Beautiful dogs. Oliver finds out almost Day 1 that Jamie is gay.
Over months Oliver finds himself in love with Jamie. The night he realizes, Jamie meets someone new. Jamie's friends know, Ollie's friends know. I don't want to get beyond the night Jamie meets a guy.
But just know the book is lighthearted yet not. It is very deep in the field of love.
This is a MUST READ book!
10/10++
****** Spoiler Alert ******
I adore the way this author writes. After reading Wear it Like a Crown, I felt I had to eat up more of this delicious writing. Beautiful Rhythm does not disappoint.
Oliver Taylor is a world renowned concert pianist. His new next door neighbor, Jamie is the nephew of his regular neighbor. He is there for his pediatric residency. He has 2 Beautiful dogs. Oliver finds out almost Day 1 that Jamie is gay.
Over months Oliver finds himself in love with Jamie. The night he realizes, Jamie meets someone new. Jamie's friends know, Ollie's friends know. I don't want to get beyond the night Jamie meets a guy.
But just know the book is lighthearted yet not. It is very deep in the field of love.
This is a MUST READ book!
10/10++
December 19, 2025
This was the sweetest story. I enjoyed it tremendously. I haven’t enjoyed a book like this in a long time. Even thought it was a novella, they got together almost at the end, so the build up was amazing and gradual. I loved so much their friendship and chemistry and then the anguish that followed when Oliver realized his feeling for Jamie. When they finally got together it was more than amazing. The spice at the end was perfect too. This is a 6 star book for me. I can’t put into words how much I loved it. I hope I find more stories like this one. It was perfect for me. It will live rent free in my mind for a long time. Can’t wait to read more books by this author.
September 11, 2021
It hurts. It hurts me too much reading this book and to feel how Ollie's feels, I can't stand it.
Ollie fall in love with a guy, for the very first time, with his new best friend Jamie but when he realized what he feels, Jamie is already dating someone, name Charley. I can imagine how miserable and hurt Ollie to see Jamie dating another man. But in the end, Jamie confessed that he too fall in love with Ollie but he's afraid. What I really want to know is if Jamie was fucking with Charley or not. Nevertheless, I hate it. Hate the friends to lovers trope.
Ollie fall in love with a guy, for the very first time, with his new best friend Jamie but when he realized what he feels, Jamie is already dating someone, name Charley. I can imagine how miserable and hurt Ollie to see Jamie dating another man. But in the end, Jamie confessed that he too fall in love with Ollie but he's afraid. What I really want to know is if Jamie was fucking with Charley or not. Nevertheless, I hate it. Hate the friends to lovers trope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
It was a nice short read. I liked Jamie’s personality, he is like a sunshine, I want more people like him in my life :) though nothing special about the book, it was just nice. The building of the relationship was believable until the MC realised that he was in love. I mean, yeah, maybe that’s possible to discover in one day that you’re gay and in love, but I think it that was quite abruptly. But what I know?
January 2, 2023
I know it is weird that I have this marked as 5 stars and Wear It Like a Crown as 4 stars even though I said: "...if you haven't read anything by Zarah Detand before. If you have, I think you'll agree this is their best work."
I think I stand by that? I don't know this was really fun but it feels like a short story rather than a novel, which is why I think the other book is better. This is a fantastic story though and again - you should read it.
I think I stand by that? I don't know this was really fun but it feels like a short story rather than a novel, which is why I think the other book is better. This is a fantastic story though and again - you should read it.
October 10, 2023
So my only observation is that I shouldn't have read it after You Are My Beat.
The story felt a bit different it still followed the same formula/format of the other story. Same elements, which made it not as surprising as was hoping.
I still enjoyed it and love the MCs. Love their personalities the build up. The interaction between all characters is really good.
Just it felt like I was rereading the other book with a different background.
The story felt a bit different it still followed the same formula/format of the other story. Same elements, which made it not as surprising as was hoping.
I still enjoyed it and love the MCs. Love their personalities the build up. The interaction between all characters is really good.
Just it felt like I was rereading the other book with a different background.
February 4, 2024
I loved it !
Will 100% reread this book. As a lover of friends to lovers, slow burn, and demisexual rep (that's what Oliver felt like to me anyway), this story that presents itself as a novella but was longer than some books I've read before was definitely packed with full 3D characters and a sweet relationship that feels genuine and sweet. Add to that the habitual snorts that Zarah Detand's dialogues get out of me and it's a winner for sure ;)
Will 100% reread this book. As a lover of friends to lovers, slow burn, and demisexual rep (that's what Oliver felt like to me anyway), this story that presents itself as a novella but was longer than some books I've read before was definitely packed with full 3D characters and a sweet relationship that feels genuine and sweet. Add to that the habitual snorts that Zarah Detand's dialogues get out of me and it's a winner for sure ;)
January 4, 2026
Enjoyed this. Quick read. Nice little friends-to-lovers. Liked both characters & their friends. The conflict (what kept them apart) was a bit contrived, but not enough to be a problem for me. 3.5 stars.
Took me out of the story a bit when the doctor character was sharing personally identifying info about patients left & right like “here’s this kid’s name & his diagnosis and his prognosis” but it wasn’t a huge part of the story so I didn’t quit over it.
Took me out of the story a bit when the doctor character was sharing personally identifying info about patients left & right like “here’s this kid’s name & his diagnosis and his prognosis” but it wasn’t a huge part of the story so I didn’t quit over it.
June 2, 2023
Slow and charming. It's a pleasant change to read a musician romance where he's a classical pianist. It's also great that he and the new neighbor, a medical student, become friends first. I loved spending time with these two and their friends. The challenge of coming out as a public figure adds just enough complication to keep me interested. A soft and comfortable read.
November 14, 2023
A cute story of neighbors becoming friends and slowly falling in love with each other. This one came together quickly and was an enjoyable read. A lot less drama in this one that some of Zarah's other novels. I read this after reading a quite depressing novel and it really helped soothe my aching heart. Thanks Zarah!
March 24, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable
A sweet, believable love story that truly has a Beautiful Rhythm. The characters act like real people who have problems that are resolved as rational adults. No artificially inflated angst or drama. HEA and humor. Well written and a perfect vacation for your stress.
A sweet, believable love story that truly has a Beautiful Rhythm. The characters act like real people who have problems that are resolved as rational adults. No artificially inflated angst or drama. HEA and humor. Well written and a perfect vacation for your stress.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars
It was very cute and surprisingly fresh, I also loved both MCs and their dynamic was great. I just wish they had gotten a better story than "just-talk-about-it-already" for about half of the book. I think they deserve something more interesting, and there were opportunities to show real conflict. But still, it was a very cute and fun read.
It was very cute and surprisingly fresh, I also loved both MCs and their dynamic was great. I just wish they had gotten a better story than "just-talk-about-it-already" for about half of the book. I think they deserve something more interesting, and there were opportunities to show real conflict. But still, it was a very cute and fun read.
July 18, 2023
Zarah’s best work! This story was so so so good. I laughed, I cried (a lot), I had a great time reading this. The boys are just sweet and fun and I loved reading about their new friendship that lead into their HEA. I will read anything by this author, but hands down this was my absolute favorite!
April 7, 2024
This was another really cute friend to lovers romance from Zarah. I loved the slow burn in this one, as well as the banter. I will definitely be picking up more full length books from this author in the future!
August 23, 2024
Zarah DeLand has a romantic heart that just manages to never feel sentimental in the way that makes a synic like me cringe.
Thus it's a story about a Resident and a classical pianist finding happiness.
Thus it's a story about a Resident and a classical pianist finding happiness.
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