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The Love Variations
An emotionally powerful romance novel from the author of A SHOT IN THE DARK.
Goldie Gensler has always wanted to be a concert musician like her parents-but after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that dream feels more urgent than ever. The world's most prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm is coming up in two months-it's the perfect chance for Goldie to make her dream come true. But her competition will be stiff because Jamie Larson, with his perfect technique and derisive glare and gorgeous ocean blue eyes, is competing too.
Jamie has always resented Goldie for her easy road to professional musicianship, given her wealthy parents who were both first chair in the New York Philharmonic. Jamie spent hours and hours studying to make it from small-town Iowa to the best music school in New York City. But his technical precision is no match for the way Goldie's imperfect but emotionally resonant music makes audiences swoon. He's determined to prove that skill and dedication are what makes for a good musician, but after his brother's suicide three years ago, Jamie just doesn't love music like he used to.
Goldie and Jamie have their own reasons to win, but when unexpected events force them to practice-and live-together in Goldie's apartment over the holidays, they discover their passion for more than just music.
Praise for A SHOT IN THE
'A sensual love story about art and passion . . . emotional and heart-aching'
ASHLEY POSTON
'Victoria Lee aims straight for the heart, and pierces the centre without restraint'
KOSOKO JACKSON
'A moving portrait of queer love, religion, recovery, art, and community'
MACKENZI LEE
Goldie Gensler has always wanted to be a concert musician like her parents-but after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that dream feels more urgent than ever. The world's most prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm is coming up in two months-it's the perfect chance for Goldie to make her dream come true. But her competition will be stiff because Jamie Larson, with his perfect technique and derisive glare and gorgeous ocean blue eyes, is competing too.
Jamie has always resented Goldie for her easy road to professional musicianship, given her wealthy parents who were both first chair in the New York Philharmonic. Jamie spent hours and hours studying to make it from small-town Iowa to the best music school in New York City. But his technical precision is no match for the way Goldie's imperfect but emotionally resonant music makes audiences swoon. He's determined to prove that skill and dedication are what makes for a good musician, but after his brother's suicide three years ago, Jamie just doesn't love music like he used to.
Goldie and Jamie have their own reasons to win, but when unexpected events force them to practice-and live-together in Goldie's apartment over the holidays, they discover their passion for more than just music.
Praise for A SHOT IN THE
'A sensual love story about art and passion . . . emotional and heart-aching'
ASHLEY POSTON
'Victoria Lee aims straight for the heart, and pierces the centre without restraint'
KOSOKO JACKSON
'A moving portrait of queer love, religion, recovery, art, and community'
MACKENZI LEE
Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Victoria Lee
10 books1,820 followersVictoria Lee grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where she spent her childhood writing ghost stories and fantasizing about attending boarding school. She has a Ph.D. in psychology, which she uses to overanalyze fictional characters and also herself. Lee is the author of A Lesson in Vengeance as well as The Fever King and its sequel, The Electric Heir. She lives in New York City with her partner, cat, and malevolent dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 12, 2026
I was a huge fan of Victoria Lee’s A Shot in the Dark, and with The Love Variations they’ve fully cemented themselves in the romance genre. Ely and Wyatt, the couple from A Shot in the Dark, even make a little cameo in this novel.
From the very first page, The Love Variations grabbed my attention. Victoria Lee’s writing is so vivid, and I immediately loved Marigold, and especially Jamie. His lack of tact and his bluntness, only made me love him more.
Even though the themes—death of a parent, a sibling’s suicide, and multiple sclerosis—are pretty heavy, the story itself is surprisingly light. So light, in fact, that I sometimes wished the sadness and heartache would surface a bit more, especially in the middle of the book.
But despite that, The Love Variations is cute and vibrant, and I rooted for Marigold and Jamie so much. And even though they have a few small fights, there’s no third‑act breakup, which made me incredibly happy!
Thank you, Ballantine and NetGalley, for this wonderful ARC.
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From the very first page, The Love Variations grabbed my attention. Victoria Lee’s writing is so vivid, and I immediately loved Marigold, and especially Jamie. His lack of tact and his bluntness, only made me love him more.
Even though the themes—death of a parent, a sibling’s suicide, and multiple sclerosis—are pretty heavy, the story itself is surprisingly light. So light, in fact, that I sometimes wished the sadness and heartache would surface a bit more, especially in the middle of the book.
But despite that, The Love Variations is cute and vibrant, and I rooted for Marigold and Jamie so much. And even though they have a few small fights, there’s no third‑act breakup, which made me incredibly happy!
Thank you, Ballantine and NetGalley, for this wonderful ARC.
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May 8, 2026
જ⁀➴ 4.25 stars
Thank you so much to Ballantine | Dell Romance, Victoria Lee, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Love Variations: A Novel is out now!
✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved every second of reading this. I may be coming off a bit biased here because I play the piano myself and could only dream of being as good as Goldie and Jamie are in the story, but this was so much more than just a simple rom-com.
Goldie Gensler and Jamie Larson are currently college students at Parker, a prestigious arts college in NYC. Both of them have qualified to perform at a top piano competition in Stockholm, where they'll compete against other top pianists around the world-and each other—to take home the title of being one of the top pianists internationally. Goldie and Jamie don't get along; in fact, they couldn't be more opposite of each other when it comes to playing styles and musicality. However, both of them have their own reasons to perform at Stockholm: Goldie is racing against the clock after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and Jamie is struggling to find the passion in his music after his brother's suicide years ago.
As I mentioned earlier, I play the piano myself, and I have been since I was 6, so I already knew going into reading this that I was going to enjoy all the references to different piano pieces and composers throughout the story. I chuckled at all the Chopin references personally, because I swear my piano teacher growing up made me play so many of Chopin's pieces. I'm sure that'd make Jamie proud haha.
I loved how the story doesn't shy away from the hours and hours of practice that so many musicians put in to get the final result that they want. I know that they say that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master of something, and it's not something that happens by just practicing a couple of hours every day. The number of scenes we got of Goldie and Jamie pulling all-nighters definitely didn't shy away from that whatsoever. I also love how we got an inside look into the competition circuit. It's such a niche part of the music world and the story didn't shy away from different competitions all over the world, how long the rounds are, and most importantly, how it's such a small world. People within the same niche field tend to know each other (or at least OF each other) so it's easy to size up the competition and figure out how to be better than the other people you're competing against.
I think the one thing that I really loved about this book is that despite the heavy topics, it never felt emotionally heavy. With Victoria Lee having a PhD in psychology and specializing in cognitive-affective neuroscience, I felt like she let that knowledge shine through with Goldie and Jamie. I absolutely love it when authors sneak in extra knowledge in other areas of expertise into their stories, and I think she did an amazing job bringing that in with Goldie's MS diagnosis. As someone in the healthcare field myself and having a fair share of experiences with MS medications, MS is a lot more complicated than people think. I'm not going to go into the pathophysiology of MS, but I think Goldie's perspective of her symptoms and her day-to-day life hopefully brought more awareness to how debilitating MS could be to people.
I love how that her MS was woven into Goldie's character development and storyline as well. Yes, MS could cause setbacks in her performance and energy levels, but I love how that was also something that also drove her to be the best that she could. She used that as motivation to enjoy what she loves and even if it doesn't allow her to keep playing for the rest of her life, music is still something that no one can take away from her (which is why I chose the quote that I did at the beginning of my review; I think it's singlehandedly one of the most powerful lines in the entire story).
As for Jamie, we get to see mental health rep with him. If anyone's ever suffered from burnout, whether it's career-related or because of something else, I think they'll relate a lot to Jamie's story. The one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how he constantly had a chip on his shoulder about not having the same connections as Goldie did in the NYC music scene and how it felt like his entire personality felt like it was along the lines of, "I'm a corn-fed Midwestern kid who made my way to the top with no connections and went to a nobody school, I did this all on my own without the help of my parents." Like...Goldie can't help that she was born to two, first chair musicians at the New York Philharmonic, and while yes, that gave her an advantage in a world where connections can get you to higher places, Goldie actually played well enough on her own merit to compete at the international level.
It was interesting to read about how Jamie and Goldie were driven to be the best from completely different factors and how it affected their playing. With Goldie, she was truly passionate about music and wanted to play for as long as possible before her chronic illness would prevent her from doing so, and she let her emotions take over the music, minor mistakes be damned. Jamie, struggling from burnout, continued to push through and tried to find the passion in music again after his brother passed; he strived for perfection but didn't have the same amount of passion and motivation as Goldie did. In the end, they truly made each other better pianists and they balanced each other out.
If you're a music nerd, pianist, or just a romance reader looking for a change of pace among all the sports romances and cowboy romances that are taking over the romance genre, PLEASE pick up this book, even if you know nothing about playing the piano. It was such a good blend of heart, determination, and being gentle with yourself, even when you don't think you deserve it. I can't wait to read more from Victoria Lee in the future!
✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content (1.25/5 on the spice scale, but I know this may vary from reader to reader), death of a family member (recounted), chronic illness, burnout
Thank you so much to Ballantine | Dell Romance, Victoria Lee, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Love Variations: A Novel is out now!
"Even if this doesn't last–even if in ten years, twenty, I can't play professionally anymore—I'll always have this. I'll always have music."
✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved every second of reading this. I may be coming off a bit biased here because I play the piano myself and could only dream of being as good as Goldie and Jamie are in the story, but this was so much more than just a simple rom-com.
Goldie Gensler and Jamie Larson are currently college students at Parker, a prestigious arts college in NYC. Both of them have qualified to perform at a top piano competition in Stockholm, where they'll compete against other top pianists around the world-and each other—to take home the title of being one of the top pianists internationally. Goldie and Jamie don't get along; in fact, they couldn't be more opposite of each other when it comes to playing styles and musicality. However, both of them have their own reasons to perform at Stockholm: Goldie is racing against the clock after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and Jamie is struggling to find the passion in his music after his brother's suicide years ago.
As I mentioned earlier, I play the piano myself, and I have been since I was 6, so I already knew going into reading this that I was going to enjoy all the references to different piano pieces and composers throughout the story. I chuckled at all the Chopin references personally, because I swear my piano teacher growing up made me play so many of Chopin's pieces. I'm sure that'd make Jamie proud haha.
I loved how the story doesn't shy away from the hours and hours of practice that so many musicians put in to get the final result that they want. I know that they say that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master of something, and it's not something that happens by just practicing a couple of hours every day. The number of scenes we got of Goldie and Jamie pulling all-nighters definitely didn't shy away from that whatsoever. I also love how we got an inside look into the competition circuit. It's such a niche part of the music world and the story didn't shy away from different competitions all over the world, how long the rounds are, and most importantly, how it's such a small world. People within the same niche field tend to know each other (or at least OF each other) so it's easy to size up the competition and figure out how to be better than the other people you're competing against.
I think the one thing that I really loved about this book is that despite the heavy topics, it never felt emotionally heavy. With Victoria Lee having a PhD in psychology and specializing in cognitive-affective neuroscience, I felt like she let that knowledge shine through with Goldie and Jamie. I absolutely love it when authors sneak in extra knowledge in other areas of expertise into their stories, and I think she did an amazing job bringing that in with Goldie's MS diagnosis. As someone in the healthcare field myself and having a fair share of experiences with MS medications, MS is a lot more complicated than people think. I'm not going to go into the pathophysiology of MS, but I think Goldie's perspective of her symptoms and her day-to-day life hopefully brought more awareness to how debilitating MS could be to people.
I love how that her MS was woven into Goldie's character development and storyline as well. Yes, MS could cause setbacks in her performance and energy levels, but I love how that was also something that also drove her to be the best that she could. She used that as motivation to enjoy what she loves and even if it doesn't allow her to keep playing for the rest of her life, music is still something that no one can take away from her (which is why I chose the quote that I did at the beginning of my review; I think it's singlehandedly one of the most powerful lines in the entire story).
As for Jamie, we get to see mental health rep with him. If anyone's ever suffered from burnout, whether it's career-related or because of something else, I think they'll relate a lot to Jamie's story. The one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was how he constantly had a chip on his shoulder about not having the same connections as Goldie did in the NYC music scene and how it felt like his entire personality felt like it was along the lines of, "I'm a corn-fed Midwestern kid who made my way to the top with no connections and went to a nobody school, I did this all on my own without the help of my parents." Like...Goldie can't help that she was born to two, first chair musicians at the New York Philharmonic, and while yes, that gave her an advantage in a world where connections can get you to higher places, Goldie actually played well enough on her own merit to compete at the international level.
It was interesting to read about how Jamie and Goldie were driven to be the best from completely different factors and how it affected their playing. With Goldie, she was truly passionate about music and wanted to play for as long as possible before her chronic illness would prevent her from doing so, and she let her emotions take over the music, minor mistakes be damned. Jamie, struggling from burnout, continued to push through and tried to find the passion in music again after his brother passed; he strived for perfection but didn't have the same amount of passion and motivation as Goldie did. In the end, they truly made each other better pianists and they balanced each other out.
If you're a music nerd, pianist, or just a romance reader looking for a change of pace among all the sports romances and cowboy romances that are taking over the romance genre, PLEASE pick up this book, even if you know nothing about playing the piano. It was such a good blend of heart, determination, and being gentle with yourself, even when you don't think you deserve it. I can't wait to read more from Victoria Lee in the future!
✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚🎹࣪ ࣪⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩♬ ₊˚.⋆.˚
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content (1.25/5 on the spice scale, but I know this may vary from reader to reader), death of a family member (recounted), chronic illness, burnout
May 13, 2026
Okay this was a really cute read but it was also very deep with themes of grief, dealing with a chronic illness, stressing over a high stakes competition, and struggling with self identity.
What I liked:
I liked the beginning of the book and how we got a dual-pov in different timelines. I think it really sold the friends to enemies to lovers trope.
I liked the banter and flirting between Jamie (James) and Goldie (Marigold).
It was definitely a slow burn and the spice definitely made up for it.
What I feel could’ve been better:
I think that Jamie’s character development could’ve been better. Even towards the end, he didn’t let go of his resentment towards Goldie and her upbringing.
I also feel that there should’ve been a more significant reason for Jamie to find his love for music again, he just happened to find it during the big competition and win first place..
And lastly, it kind of just ended…
We didn’t get a prologue or got to know what happened with Goldie’s MS. I just feel like it needed a little closure.
What I liked:
I liked the beginning of the book and how we got a dual-pov in different timelines. I think it really sold the friends to enemies to lovers trope.
I liked the banter and flirting between Jamie (James) and Goldie (Marigold).
It was definitely a slow burn and the spice definitely made up for it.
What I feel could’ve been better:
I think that Jamie’s character development could’ve been better. Even towards the end, he didn’t let go of his resentment towards Goldie and her upbringing.
I also feel that there should’ve been a more significant reason for Jamie to find his love for music again, he just happened to find it during the big competition and win first place..
And lastly, it kind of just ended…
We didn’t get a prologue or got to know what happened with Goldie’s MS. I just feel like it needed a little closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2026
ARC from NetGalley.
The Love Variations dives into a musical based competition and two perspectives of competitors in the moment leading up to all they have worked for. You have one character facing the end of all they have worked for and dreamed of and the future of continuing that dream dwindling. Meanwhile, a lead character that forgets why they even wanted to do this in the first place and wondering if the sacrifice was really worth the end results.
The Love Variations dives into a musical based competition and two perspectives of competitors in the moment leading up to all they have worked for. You have one character facing the end of all they have worked for and dreamed of and the future of continuing that dream dwindling. Meanwhile, a lead character that forgets why they even wanted to do this in the first place and wondering if the sacrifice was really worth the end results.
August 2, 2026
Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the arc!
4.25 stars
Rtc!
4.25 stars
Rtc!
May 10, 2026
Pride and Prejudice but they play piano and Darcy stays an asshole.
May 3, 2026
A Shot in the Dark is still one of my favorite romance books so I was extremely excited to read Victoria Lee's follow up. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but the writing and feelings in The Love Variations were right on par with A Shot in the Dark. Goldie and Jamie are my favorite type of rivals to lovers. They go to the same school, play the same instrument, and are up for the same prize, and yet come from entirely different backgrounds. Still, they both have an internal grief that draws them both together and apart. Goldie's parents were both principal musicians in the New York Philharmonic, but she has had her fair share of grief with her mother passing away and then when she herself gets a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, putting her dreams of being a concert musician in peril.
Jamie comes from a small midwestern town where his mother had to sacrifice for him to continue to play. He is also dealing with his beloved brother's death three years before the start of the book. Jamie is technically proficient but has lacked that special musicality he used to have ever since his brother's death. Goldie lacks the proficiency Jamie has, but has that desperate love of music he has lost. Together they are drawn to one another as they prepare for one of music's most prestigious prizes. I loved the push and pull of them and their shared traumas as well as their shared love of music. The romance was tender and sweet and imperiled by their prejudices and background, and while we do get glimpses of their past in this story, it is their future that is the most compelling and heartwarming.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jamie comes from a small midwestern town where his mother had to sacrifice for him to continue to play. He is also dealing with his beloved brother's death three years before the start of the book. Jamie is technically proficient but has lacked that special musicality he used to have ever since his brother's death. Goldie lacks the proficiency Jamie has, but has that desperate love of music he has lost. Together they are drawn to one another as they prepare for one of music's most prestigious prizes. I loved the push and pull of them and their shared traumas as well as their shared love of music. The romance was tender and sweet and imperiled by their prejudices and background, and while we do get glimpses of their past in this story, it is their future that is the most compelling and heartwarming.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
4.5 starts rounded up! When I had time to devour this I sure did. I agree with the timeline being a bit confusing during the pre-ghosting and post-ghosting descriptions. Otherwise I found the timeline to be organized. I loved the shout out to ASITD, and I did think there was good chemistry between Goldie and Jamie. Being very much not a music person, I thought there was just enough to add a structure to the romance between the two. Nothing too technical that it went over my head. And everyone knows I love an academia setting. Most of all no final act break up, *bless* Lee for that.
4.5 starts rounded up! When I had time to devour this I sure did. I agree with the timeline being a bit confusing during the pre-ghosting and post-ghosting descriptions. Otherwise I found the timeline to be organized. I loved the shout out to ASITD, and I did think there was good chemistry between Goldie and Jamie. Being very much not a music person, I thought there was just enough to add a structure to the romance between the two. Nothing too technical that it went over my head. And everyone knows I love an academia setting. Most of all no final act break up, *bless* Lee for that.
June 6, 2026
I wasn't sure if I was going to like all the music references and performance angst, but it was a fascinating view of music competition. This is a total enemies to lovers trope, the differences in the characters was nicely done. She was flowy and emotional, he robotic and shut off, and they work well together (obviously). Other than being tropey, what I liked most was how they emotionally supported each other. The anxiety about this end-all-be-all competition had me anxious too! The panic attack scene and how they delt with it was peak. I really liked how well it was written, the outcome wasn't typical, which made the ending perfect.
May 17, 2026
My grandma gave me piano lessons starting about age 7. I remember all the practicing and weekly lessons. Was I any good? No. Did I often resent the time away from my favorite reading hobby? Yes. But now I can look back with fond memories of the time with my grandma. So reading this book, I can appreciate the dedication and hours of practice time Goldie and Jamie spent. It's easy to look at someone's situation from the outside and resent how easy they have it, so I'm glad that Jamie was actually forced to spend time with Goldie enough to become friends and then more. It was interesting seeing the competition from the musicians perspective. This story also shines a light on mental health issues in a realistic and sensitive way. Overall I enjoyed this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
May 18, 2026
3.75/5
The beginning was great, then I just lost interest somehow, and couldn’t really connect with any of the main characters.
The beginning was great, then I just lost interest somehow, and couldn’t really connect with any of the main characters.
June 24, 2026
I actually really enjoyed this book. The miscommunication between Marigold and Jamie felt slightly drawn out, but I loved the personal history that was revealed about their family members and how it had effected their miscommunication. I really truly thought that Marigold's father was a class act and I wanted to see just a little bit more of him. But Jamie and Marigold's best friends more than made up for it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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June 30, 2026I'm Victoria Lee's number one stan
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5⭐
(+) :
- Of the two leads, I think that Jamie is substantially better done here. There’s a lot more grounding to his character that leads to many of his actions and decisions. I don’t…love him in general, but I found myself empathizing with his chapters more. This is maybe my own issue since we never really touch on Goldie’s privilege enough.
- The classical music scene is really soul-crushing and pays pennies when the industry is seen as for the elite and one-percenters and I do think Victoria Lee grappled with that pretty effectively, especially with Goldie being born into that scene (and coming from money, so both aspects) and Jamie being more working class and from the Midwest.
- This cover is…fine. I like the colors and the usage of the keys, but its’ wayyy to cartoonish for how serious this story is.
- As someone who understands classical music, I like this title. BUT I can see this title not totally clicking with non-music people BUT…that also doesn’t really matter.
(-) :
- There is something...deeply frustrating about this book. Especially as someone with musical trauma. Nothing felt rooted. We're barely shown why he doesn't like school. And I was being led to believe that had hated piano which would have been an INFURIATING way to end this book. I just wish it had been a story, for him, about learning to relove something you'd thought you'd lost.
- I really do not understand what purpose the flashbacks served. They felt really stilting to the progress of the characters in the current timeline. Very few of them had any real consequence on the characters in the present and I feel like it would have been more effective for the characters to just have conversations about the past rather than having us be put in the timeline. It feels counterintuitive to the “show don’t tell” mentality in theory, but we weren’t shown anything really in these flashbacks.
- As others have mentioned, Goldie’s MS only really seemed to have resonance with the plot or characters when when it was convenient. I wanted more of her interior struggle with what this means for her. Yes we get a bit of it, but we barely even touch on what she would even do without the possibility of being able to play the piano. As someone, again, musician, who has chronic nerve issues that affect my hands, the possibility of never being able to play again has caused me numerous panic attacks.
- Cessy and Shrishti are OBNOXIOUS and I genuinely could not stand them. Shrishti less so, but Cessy acted like she was 14 the whole time.
- I mean…why do these characters like each other? Is it from a point of mutual respect and visual attraction? That can be enough, but I wish I could understand more of what drew them to one another.
(?) :
- Why did we get so many countdown titles to the competition? Was it to add stakes or pressure? They just made it feel very clunky.
WILL I READ THE NEXT ONE? : Ugh. I did realy like ‘Shot in the Dark’. It wasn’t my favorite book ever, but I enjoyed it greatly (and then someone stole my copy, awesome). But this one bummed me out. That said, I don’t think that’ll keep me from checking out Lee’s future work.
(HOW LONG) DO I THINK THEY’LL STAY TOGETHER? : Their maybe trauma-bonded now and they can become the next generation of UWS elites congrats friends.
*Thank you to Dell & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
SIMILAR BOOKS :
- 'Second Chance Duet' by Ana Holguin
- 'You Between the Lines' by Katie Naymon
- 'Not Another Love Song' by Julie Soto
- 'Deep End' by Ali Hazelwood
(+) :
- Of the two leads, I think that Jamie is substantially better done here. There’s a lot more grounding to his character that leads to many of his actions and decisions. I don’t…love him in general, but I found myself empathizing with his chapters more. This is maybe my own issue since we never really touch on Goldie’s privilege enough.
- The classical music scene is really soul-crushing and pays pennies when the industry is seen as for the elite and one-percenters and I do think Victoria Lee grappled with that pretty effectively, especially with Goldie being born into that scene (and coming from money, so both aspects) and Jamie being more working class and from the Midwest.
- This cover is…fine. I like the colors and the usage of the keys, but its’ wayyy to cartoonish for how serious this story is.
- As someone who understands classical music, I like this title. BUT I can see this title not totally clicking with non-music people BUT…that also doesn’t really matter.
(-) :
- There is something...deeply frustrating about this book. Especially as someone with musical trauma. Nothing felt rooted. We're barely shown why he doesn't like school. And I was being led to believe that had hated piano which would have been an INFURIATING way to end this book. I just wish it had been a story, for him, about learning to relove something you'd thought you'd lost.
- I really do not understand what purpose the flashbacks served. They felt really stilting to the progress of the characters in the current timeline. Very few of them had any real consequence on the characters in the present and I feel like it would have been more effective for the characters to just have conversations about the past rather than having us be put in the timeline. It feels counterintuitive to the “show don’t tell” mentality in theory, but we weren’t shown anything really in these flashbacks.
- As others have mentioned, Goldie’s MS only really seemed to have resonance with the plot or characters when when it was convenient. I wanted more of her interior struggle with what this means for her. Yes we get a bit of it, but we barely even touch on what she would even do without the possibility of being able to play the piano. As someone, again, musician, who has chronic nerve issues that affect my hands, the possibility of never being able to play again has caused me numerous panic attacks.
- Cessy and Shrishti are OBNOXIOUS and I genuinely could not stand them. Shrishti less so, but Cessy acted like she was 14 the whole time.
- I mean…why do these characters like each other? Is it from a point of mutual respect and visual attraction? That can be enough, but I wish I could understand more of what drew them to one another.
(?) :
- Why did we get so many countdown titles to the competition? Was it to add stakes or pressure? They just made it feel very clunky.
WILL I READ THE NEXT ONE? : Ugh. I did realy like ‘Shot in the Dark’. It wasn’t my favorite book ever, but I enjoyed it greatly (and then someone stole my copy, awesome). But this one bummed me out. That said, I don’t think that’ll keep me from checking out Lee’s future work.
(HOW LONG) DO I THINK THEY’LL STAY TOGETHER? : Their maybe trauma-bonded now and they can become the next generation of UWS elites congrats friends.
*Thank you to Dell & Netgalley for providing this ARC!
SIMILAR BOOKS :
- 'Second Chance Duet' by Ana Holguin
- 'You Between the Lines' by Katie Naymon
- 'Not Another Love Song' by Julie Soto
- 'Deep End' by Ali Hazelwood
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Love Variations by Victoria Lee
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Thank you to Ballantine, Dell, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Love Variations features an academic rivals-to-lovers trope within the world of classical music. An emotional and memorable read, The Love Variations addresses heavier topics while also remaining hopeful. One of the most wonderful parts of the story is the emphasis on music, which provides a fresh and unique take. A moving, heartfelt, and sweet read that’s equal parts poignant and lighthearted!
Goldie Gensler, whose parents were principal musicians in the New York Philharmonic, has always dreamed to be a concert musician like them. After a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, she feels it’s more urgent than ever before to make her dream come true. And, a prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm provides the perfect chance. But Jamie Larson is competing too. Jamie doesn’t love music like he used to since his brother’s death and he resents Goldie for her connections. Goldie and Jamie each have their own reasons for wanting to win, but when unforeseen circumstances drive them to practice and live together in Goldie’s apartment over the holidays, they grow closer and discover that there’s more to the other person than meets the eye.
A truly enjoyable book, The Love Variations provides a look at what it takes to be a pianist and includes lots of great music details! Music-themed books are always so interesting and this one is definitely great!
The MCs are both struggling with different heartbreak in their life and are trying to make sense of their new realities. While miscommunication causes them to be enemies, when they talk it through and learn more about each other, they support each other deeply and meaningfully. Jamie and Goldie are so sweet and seeing their relationship develop in such a loving and supportive way is beautiful.
Overall, The Love Variations highlights overcoming grief and trauma, finding oneself, and the world of classical music and competitive pianists within an enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance. Overall, a sweet, engaging, and lighthearted read!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Thank you to Ballantine, Dell, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Love Variations features an academic rivals-to-lovers trope within the world of classical music. An emotional and memorable read, The Love Variations addresses heavier topics while also remaining hopeful. One of the most wonderful parts of the story is the emphasis on music, which provides a fresh and unique take. A moving, heartfelt, and sweet read that’s equal parts poignant and lighthearted!
Goldie Gensler, whose parents were principal musicians in the New York Philharmonic, has always dreamed to be a concert musician like them. After a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, she feels it’s more urgent than ever before to make her dream come true. And, a prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm provides the perfect chance. But Jamie Larson is competing too. Jamie doesn’t love music like he used to since his brother’s death and he resents Goldie for her connections. Goldie and Jamie each have their own reasons for wanting to win, but when unforeseen circumstances drive them to practice and live together in Goldie’s apartment over the holidays, they grow closer and discover that there’s more to the other person than meets the eye.
A truly enjoyable book, The Love Variations provides a look at what it takes to be a pianist and includes lots of great music details! Music-themed books are always so interesting and this one is definitely great!
The MCs are both struggling with different heartbreak in their life and are trying to make sense of their new realities. While miscommunication causes them to be enemies, when they talk it through and learn more about each other, they support each other deeply and meaningfully. Jamie and Goldie are so sweet and seeing their relationship develop in such a loving and supportive way is beautiful.
Overall, The Love Variations highlights overcoming grief and trauma, finding oneself, and the world of classical music and competitive pianists within an enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance. Overall, a sweet, engaging, and lighthearted read!
August 3, 2026
actual rating: 3.5 stars
goldie is still grieving the loss of her mother, a celebrated concert musician who passed away from lupus, when her own world is turned upside down by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. with just two months until one of the world's most prestigious piano competitions, goldie refuses to let her illness stop her from pursuing the dream she's worked toward her entire life.
standing in her way is jamie, another gifted pianist whose approach to music couldn't be more different. while goldie plays with emotion and instinct, jamie strives for flawless technique and precision. from the outside, jamie believes goldie has always had the easier path, benefiting from her famous musician parents, their wealth, and their reputation. what he doesn't see is the grief and pressure she's been carrying for years.
jamie has his own burdens to bear. still haunted by his brother's suicide three years earlier, he struggles to reconnect with the joy that music once brought him. his pain shapes not only the way he views goldie but also the way he performs, masking his vulnerability behind perfection.
as they spend more time together, the rivalry between them slowly gives way to understanding. both are navigating profound grief, impossible expectations, and uncertain futures, yet neither realizes how much they have in common until they begin opening up to one another. i really enjoyed watching their preconceived notions gradually fall away as honest conversations replaced assumptions.
their romance develops at a wonderfully slow pace, built on trust, mutual support, and shared healing. rather than fixing each other, goldie and jamie encourage one another to face their fears and become stronger versions of themselves.
overall, it is a heartfelt story about grief, chronic illness, ambition, and finding love in someone who truly understands your struggles. the music, emotional depth, and beautifully developed relationship made this such a rewarding read.
goldie is still grieving the loss of her mother, a celebrated concert musician who passed away from lupus, when her own world is turned upside down by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. with just two months until one of the world's most prestigious piano competitions, goldie refuses to let her illness stop her from pursuing the dream she's worked toward her entire life.
standing in her way is jamie, another gifted pianist whose approach to music couldn't be more different. while goldie plays with emotion and instinct, jamie strives for flawless technique and precision. from the outside, jamie believes goldie has always had the easier path, benefiting from her famous musician parents, their wealth, and their reputation. what he doesn't see is the grief and pressure she's been carrying for years.
jamie has his own burdens to bear. still haunted by his brother's suicide three years earlier, he struggles to reconnect with the joy that music once brought him. his pain shapes not only the way he views goldie but also the way he performs, masking his vulnerability behind perfection.
as they spend more time together, the rivalry between them slowly gives way to understanding. both are navigating profound grief, impossible expectations, and uncertain futures, yet neither realizes how much they have in common until they begin opening up to one another. i really enjoyed watching their preconceived notions gradually fall away as honest conversations replaced assumptions.
their romance develops at a wonderfully slow pace, built on trust, mutual support, and shared healing. rather than fixing each other, goldie and jamie encourage one another to face their fears and become stronger versions of themselves.
overall, it is a heartfelt story about grief, chronic illness, ambition, and finding love in someone who truly understands your struggles. the music, emotional depth, and beautifully developed relationship made this such a rewarding read.
Did Not Finish
May 5, 2026DNF at 55%
There is tolerable miscommunication and then there is this. I was really into the beginning as we learned about the difficulties both of the characters had experienced and it gave a very powerful premise. But then at about 30% in we learned the reason why the two main characters stopped being friends and it was just... incredibly juvenile and very easily solved with a real conversation. I tried to continue on and give it a chance but I found that even as the characters began to reconcile I just couldn't root for them anymore; specifically Marigold.
I don't immediately dislike all miscommunication tropes if it feels justified and the handling of the reveal has weight. I don't feel like that was achieved here because all of the fault fell on Jamie (the MMC) for not knowing about something he was never told. And his overreaction is explained to us as him seemingly being on the spectrum in some form but that isn't explored on page in any way. Everyone just says "you need things done to your specifications or you become neurotic" like it's something he can change...
So mental health rep for Jamie was not handled in the best way and put the miscommunication blame on him even though Marigold was equally or even more at fault, tied with the fact that she instantly insulted him for being from a poorer background made her incredibly unlikable. Which is a shame because she is also dealing with a debilitating diagnoses that should make her an easily sympathetic character.
Miscommunication is a very difficult trope to balance because it has to be believable enough to cause the rift between the characters but not enough that it makes them irredeemable in the eyes of the reader and makes you want to continue rooting for them to get back together. This book didn't hit the mark in that regard for me.
There is tolerable miscommunication and then there is this. I was really into the beginning as we learned about the difficulties both of the characters had experienced and it gave a very powerful premise. But then at about 30% in we learned the reason why the two main characters stopped being friends and it was just... incredibly juvenile and very easily solved with a real conversation. I tried to continue on and give it a chance but I found that even as the characters began to reconcile I just couldn't root for them anymore; specifically Marigold.
I don't immediately dislike all miscommunication tropes if it feels justified and the handling of the reveal has weight. I don't feel like that was achieved here because all of the fault fell on Jamie (the MMC) for not knowing about something he was never told. And his overreaction is explained to us as him seemingly being on the spectrum in some form but that isn't explored on page in any way. Everyone just says "you need things done to your specifications or you become neurotic" like it's something he can change...
So mental health rep for Jamie was not handled in the best way and put the miscommunication blame on him even though Marigold was equally or even more at fault, tied with the fact that she instantly insulted him for being from a poorer background made her incredibly unlikable. Which is a shame because she is also dealing with a debilitating diagnoses that should make her an easily sympathetic character.
Miscommunication is a very difficult trope to balance because it has to be believable enough to cause the rift between the characters but not enough that it makes them irredeemable in the eyes of the reader and makes you want to continue rooting for them to get back together. This book didn't hit the mark in that regard for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5
This was my first book by Victoria Lee, and I really enjoyed it. While the academic rivals-to-lovers trope isn’t new, the setting felt fresh. I’m not familiar with the world of classical music, and I had no idea piano competitions were a thing. Learn something new every day :)
Although the book touches on heavy topics like the death of a parent, suicide, and multiple sclerosis, the story never feels weighed down by them. That said, I actually found myself wishing the author had explored those themes more deeply, especially as Marigold and Jamie grew closer. I did appreciate that the ending wasn’t what I expected. With competition-based stories, I always wonder how the author will handle the outcome in a way that feels satisfying for both characters, and I thought this was handled well.
One critique I do have is how the book addresses Marigold’s privilege. It’s often framed as Jamie being paranoid or jealous, but in reality, Marigold does benefit from significant advantages. She comes from a wealthy family, has had access to top-tier teachers and programs, and benefits from connections through her parents. She even receives opportunities she may not have otherwise had. While she briefly acknowledges concerns about nepotism, whenever Jamie brings it up, it’s often dismissed as his issue rather than something worth examining. It felt like a missed opportunity to more thoughtfully explore different forms of privilege.
Overall, this was a strong read, and I would definitely pick up another book by Victoria Lee.
Thank you to the publisher for this copy to review.
This was my first book by Victoria Lee, and I really enjoyed it. While the academic rivals-to-lovers trope isn’t new, the setting felt fresh. I’m not familiar with the world of classical music, and I had no idea piano competitions were a thing. Learn something new every day :)
Although the book touches on heavy topics like the death of a parent, suicide, and multiple sclerosis, the story never feels weighed down by them. That said, I actually found myself wishing the author had explored those themes more deeply, especially as Marigold and Jamie grew closer. I did appreciate that the ending wasn’t what I expected. With competition-based stories, I always wonder how the author will handle the outcome in a way that feels satisfying for both characters, and I thought this was handled well.
One critique I do have is how the book addresses Marigold’s privilege. It’s often framed as Jamie being paranoid or jealous, but in reality, Marigold does benefit from significant advantages. She comes from a wealthy family, has had access to top-tier teachers and programs, and benefits from connections through her parents. She even receives opportunities she may not have otherwise had. While she briefly acknowledges concerns about nepotism, whenever Jamie brings it up, it’s often dismissed as his issue rather than something worth examining. It felt like a missed opportunity to more thoughtfully explore different forms of privilege.
Overall, this was a strong read, and I would definitely pick up another book by Victoria Lee.
Thank you to the publisher for this copy to review.
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Enemies/ Rivals to Lovers, Dual POV, Disability Rep, Forced Proximity
‘Whatever issues we might have - Marigold’s mistakes or my heartlessness - they disappear when we play together.’
Marigold Gensler and Jamie Larson have been rivals since freshman year and now they’re both competing in the world’s most prestigious piano competition. Who will come out on top? Or will love come out on top?
So there were moment in this book/ story that I really enjoyed but as an overall I really wanted more.
I’ll start with the issues. There’s a lot of ‘3 months ago’ etc, which is fine - I just didn’t like it being wrote in past tense. It read weird.
I also didn’t like how meta the reading got at times. I don’t think we need to be using book trope in character dialog.
I also just wanted more from the ending. What about Marigold’s dad? What about her MS? It was a very nothing ending.
There were also two things I couldn’t overlook.
* Why is she named after yellow gloves?!? 😂
* The fact she is drunk the first time they hook up 🙅🏼♀️ that kinda felt gross.
All that said, this is very easy relatively enjoyable romance read. Everyone has a lot of trauma, maybe a little too much 😅
Can I say I liked her dad. I was really hoping to hear how he & Jamie got on at the end.
I also really liked how the plot was focused on them playing piano, it didn’t get lost in the romance.
Thank you Victoria Lee, Piatkus & Little Brown Book Group UK for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Enemies/ Rivals to Lovers, Dual POV, Disability Rep, Forced Proximity
‘Whatever issues we might have - Marigold’s mistakes or my heartlessness - they disappear when we play together.’
Marigold Gensler and Jamie Larson have been rivals since freshman year and now they’re both competing in the world’s most prestigious piano competition. Who will come out on top? Or will love come out on top?
So there were moment in this book/ story that I really enjoyed but as an overall I really wanted more.
I’ll start with the issues. There’s a lot of ‘3 months ago’ etc, which is fine - I just didn’t like it being wrote in past tense. It read weird.
I also didn’t like how meta the reading got at times. I don’t think we need to be using book trope in character dialog.
I also just wanted more from the ending. What about Marigold’s dad? What about her MS? It was a very nothing ending.
There were also two things I couldn’t overlook.
* Why is she named after yellow gloves?!? 😂
* The fact she is drunk the first time they hook up 🙅🏼♀️ that kinda felt gross.
All that said, this is very easy relatively enjoyable romance read. Everyone has a lot of trauma, maybe a little too much 😅
Can I say I liked her dad. I was really hoping to hear how he & Jamie got on at the end.
I also really liked how the plot was focused on them playing piano, it didn’t get lost in the romance.
Thank you Victoria Lee, Piatkus & Little Brown Book Group UK for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
A sweet light-hearted read but with some quite heavy topics which are handled really well. I really enjoyed some of the representation in this book and how the characters show they are all dealing with their own issues. The forced-proximity trope was really interesting and I quite liked the banter and flirty comments between the characters. The characters themselves were really interesting, and did enjoy the plot and seeing the outcome but felt like some of the characters fell a bit flat in the end for their arcs. I enjoyed how this book is different, but don't feel like the story itself is the most knock-you-off-your-feet incredible but it is easy reading and great for a holiday.
I think the flashbacks are interesting throughout to give you background on the characters, as well as the dual narrative. I think the characters are great but them and the story itself does lack a bit of emotion and drive. I don't think the ending truly gave us a round up of some of the issues that the characters were dealing with. However, a nice, easy read which was warm and cute. I enjoyed the music elements and the story being a bit different to the standard contemporary romance.
Thankyou to Little Brown Books & Hachette UK for the gifted copy.
I think the flashbacks are interesting throughout to give you background on the characters, as well as the dual narrative. I think the characters are great but them and the story itself does lack a bit of emotion and drive. I don't think the ending truly gave us a round up of some of the issues that the characters were dealing with. However, a nice, easy read which was warm and cute. I enjoyed the music elements and the story being a bit different to the standard contemporary romance.
Thankyou to Little Brown Books & Hachette UK for the gifted copy.
February 20, 2026
This.Was.Intense.
My first thought after finishing it was that this is exactly the kind of book teenagers should get on their compulsory reading lists in high school. It's both timely and educational, it teaches important lessons about life and love. And it's entertaining, hopefully making kids fall in love with reading.
The depth of Victoria Lee's character development is as masterful as Bach’s Air on the G string (my favorite classical piece, not that I’m such a music nerd but, seriously, Google it - it’s phenomenal). Especially both narrators' back stories that catch you off guard on high and low notes.
In the end, I felt like this was more about the love for music than your typical romance novel. It focuses a lot more on overcoming grief, finding yourself and the pressure young people face in competitions than the usual enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance.
The biggest thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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My first thought after finishing it was that this is exactly the kind of book teenagers should get on their compulsory reading lists in high school. It's both timely and educational, it teaches important lessons about life and love. And it's entertaining, hopefully making kids fall in love with reading.
The depth of Victoria Lee's character development is as masterful as Bach’s Air on the G string (my favorite classical piece, not that I’m such a music nerd but, seriously, Google it - it’s phenomenal). Especially both narrators' back stories that catch you off guard on high and low notes.
In the end, I felt like this was more about the love for music than your typical romance novel. It focuses a lot more on overcoming grief, finding yourself and the pressure young people face in competitions than the usual enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance.
The biggest thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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July 3, 2026
Man, this was so bad. Fairly interesting premise (at least for those like me who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope), but this had no substance or flow, each character was more a collection of politically-correct prerequisites for a tearjerker (the dead parent and the incurable illness! The tragic death of a loved one and ensuing guilt! The autist and the free spirit, or something) than any semblance of a person, and the supposed enmity was a whole lot of nothing.
What probably bothered me the most, besides the let down of yet another promising blurb for a book that doesn't deliver, is that Ms Lee has seemingly never heard of the "show, don't tell" maxim of writing. All she does is tell us: that the two main characters are enemies, though nothing in the flashbacks or present actually fits this, that the friends are chaos and suffering, though the act fully normal, that a terrible illness looms on one side and a parental secret-slash-tragedy on the other, then they disappears for half the plot, and so on.
On to continue my search for the next Hating Game, because this was sadly not it.
What probably bothered me the most, besides the let down of yet another promising blurb for a book that doesn't deliver, is that Ms Lee has seemingly never heard of the "show, don't tell" maxim of writing. All she does is tell us: that the two main characters are enemies, though nothing in the flashbacks or present actually fits this, that the friends are chaos and suffering, though the act fully normal, that a terrible illness looms on one side and a parental secret-slash-tragedy on the other, then they disappears for half the plot, and so on.
On to continue my search for the next Hating Game, because this was sadly not it.
May 3, 2026
This tender and heartfelt novel follows the journey of two young people whose personal struggles seem overwhelming when faced alone. Told through the alternating voices of the two main characters, the narrative allows readers to truly connect with their fears, hopes, and growth. As the story unfolds, the seamless character development brings depth and authenticity to their emotional arcs.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the way Lee portrays the power of partnership. The problems that initially appear insurmountable become manageable—and even transform into opportunities for joy—once the two protagonists come together. By the time the story moves toward its happy ending, the resolution feels well-earned and satisfying.
While the pacing is gentle and the plot sometimes predictable, the emotional resonance and the tender depiction of love and personal growth make this a deeply enjoyable read. The Love Variations is a moving reminder of the strength we can find in each other, and a story that lingers after the final page.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the way Lee portrays the power of partnership. The problems that initially appear insurmountable become manageable—and even transform into opportunities for joy—once the two protagonists come together. By the time the story moves toward its happy ending, the resolution feels well-earned and satisfying.
While the pacing is gentle and the plot sometimes predictable, the emotional resonance and the tender depiction of love and personal growth make this a deeply enjoyable read. The Love Variations is a moving reminder of the strength we can find in each other, and a story that lingers after the final page.
May 5, 2026
Okay, as a former band kid, The Love Variations literally had me geeking. Victoria Lee caught that "virtuoso" energy perfectly - the obsession, the crumbling nerves, the need to be perfect... I felt it in my soul.
Goldie and Jamie are the academic rivals of my dreams. You have Goldie, who is playing like her life depends on it (literally) I was so moved by her journey, and Jamie, who is technically perfect but basically a robot due to his past. Putting them in a "forced proximity" apartment situation? GENIUS. The tension was actually insane. Chef’s kiss!
Also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA REFERENCE?! I was absolutely freaking out because that is my all time favorite musical! It is so rare to find a book that actually respects the technical side of music but still makes the romance feel totally feral. It’s heavy, it’s emotional, and it’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year. If you’re a music nerd or just love a good cry, DEFINIELY READ THIS.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Goldie and Jamie are the academic rivals of my dreams. You have Goldie, who is playing like her life depends on it (literally) I was so moved by her journey, and Jamie, who is technically perfect but basically a robot due to his past. Putting them in a "forced proximity" apartment situation? GENIUS. The tension was actually insane. Chef’s kiss!
Also, CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA REFERENCE?! I was absolutely freaking out because that is my all time favorite musical! It is so rare to find a book that actually respects the technical side of music but still makes the romance feel totally feral. It’s heavy, it’s emotional, and it’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year. If you’re a music nerd or just love a good cry, DEFINIELY READ THIS.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Lee and Random House for the opportunity to read this book.
Victoria Lee was a new-to-me author, and this book ended up being a really enjoyable read. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic may be familiar, but placing it in the world of competitive classical music made it feel fresh and engaging. I knew very little about piano competitions going in, so I liked getting a glimpse into that environment.
The story also weaves in heavier topics like grief and suicide without letting them completely overshadow the main plot. Still, I found myself wanting some of those elements to be explored with more depth, particularly as the connection between Marigold and Jamie grew stronger. I also liked that the ending took a route I wasn’t expecting.
Overall, I thought this was a compelling and well-written read, and I’d definitely be interested in trying more from Victoria Lee. Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
Victoria Lee was a new-to-me author, and this book ended up being a really enjoyable read. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic may be familiar, but placing it in the world of competitive classical music made it feel fresh and engaging. I knew very little about piano competitions going in, so I liked getting a glimpse into that environment.
The story also weaves in heavier topics like grief and suicide without letting them completely overshadow the main plot. Still, I found myself wanting some of those elements to be explored with more depth, particularly as the connection between Marigold and Jamie grew stronger. I also liked that the ending took a route I wasn’t expecting.
Overall, I thought this was a compelling and well-written read, and I’d definitely be interested in trying more from Victoria Lee. Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A moving enemies to lovers story about two piano prodigy rivals who are competing to win a prestigious international competition in Stockholm. I really enjoyed this new adult romance set in the classical music world that was full of emotional depth, great friendships and tackled important topics like chronic disability, death of loved ones, depression, addiction and suicide. Fall in love with music as Jamie and Goldie fall in love with each other over one snowy NYC December.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. My only real critique was this felt very YA/New adult and I think I would have loved it more if the characters had been a bit older. Recommended for fans of books like Julie Soto's Not another love song.
Steam level: open door scenes
CW: death of a sibling (from suicide), death of a parent (from Lupus), MS rep, alcoholic parent
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. My only real critique was this felt very YA/New adult and I think I would have loved it more if the characters had been a bit older. Recommended for fans of books like Julie Soto's Not another love song.
Steam level: open door scenes
CW: death of a sibling (from suicide), death of a parent (from Lupus), MS rep, alcoholic parent
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Is there an editor in the room? There were so many little things that bothered me with this book that all added up, from confusing timelines and haphazard flashbacks to continuity issues and details that could have been fixed with a single Google search. Since the characters themselves were kind of lackluster and the relationship was far more based on lust than love, nothing saved the book from itself.
I will give credit where credit is due, and the discussion of multiple sclerosis was fairly solid. There was a lot of research done on classical music. However, if an ounce of that research time had been devoted to other things, this book probably would have been three stars. Alas, here we are, with my eyes permanently rolled to the back of my head.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I will give credit where credit is due, and the discussion of multiple sclerosis was fairly solid. There was a lot of research done on classical music. However, if an ounce of that research time had been devoted to other things, this book probably would have been three stars. Alas, here we are, with my eyes permanently rolled to the back of my head.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cute romance with a lighthearted feel despite it featuring serious issues. Goldie’s life looks perfect from the outside—she has a wealthy, supportive, and well-connected family in the music industry—but privately she is grieving the loss of her mother and her own diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Jamie plays the piano perfectly but without the emotion that people admire in Goldie’s performances. They are drawn to one another despite being fierce competitors. As the deadline for a prestigious piano competition looms, Goldie and Jamie surprise themselves by setting aside their animosities and giving into their spark. This is an enjoyable and sweet story for readers interested in a rivals-to-lovers romance without much angst.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
June 8, 2026
Picked this one up on the recommendation of a NYT list and tore through it. Things I liked: the connection over music (both the meet-cute with the Mountain Goats song and their mutual love for concert piano playing), the depth of character development, the high stakes involved in the main characters' competition prep. However, the miscommunications were a bummer (never my favorite trope) and while this book certainly dealt deftly with weighty themes like depression/suicide, loss of a family member, chronic illness, and class differences, these themes were repeated so much that it felt repetitive at times. I applaud the author for attempting a romance with some heft to it, but the execution missed the mark at times.
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