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Rifts and Refrains
Dreamscape First: Enjoy exclusive audiobooks from Dreamscape Media-before they're available in any other format.
Music
Born and raised in Atlanta by a father who blames the family rift on music, Amara Johnson's talent for guitar and passion for poetry have always been just that: talent and passion that she channels into her work as a music teacher. When her estranged grandfather-a man known as much for his raspy, soulful blues songs as his perplexing personality-passes away, Amara discovers a collection of old letters, journals, and a tattered photo that offer more questions than answers.
Legacy
Jake Barnes, part of legendary country music star Evelyn Hart's management team, is blown away by Amara's voice when he sees her perform at her grandfather's burial. Enraptured, he offers her a deal: he'll help her uncover the truth about her family's past if Amara agrees to come to Nashville and sing for him.
Love
Against a backdrop of music and the drive for answers, Amara and Jake grow closer, testing the boundaries of friendship as the summer passes. With Jake's help, Amara is on the brink of a blindingly bright future, preparing to share her undeniable talent with the world. But when Jake confronts some unsettling truths, he's torn-between Evelyn, who he considers family, and Amara...the woman he's slowly falling in love with.
Music
Born and raised in Atlanta by a father who blames the family rift on music, Amara Johnson's talent for guitar and passion for poetry have always been just that: talent and passion that she channels into her work as a music teacher. When her estranged grandfather-a man known as much for his raspy, soulful blues songs as his perplexing personality-passes away, Amara discovers a collection of old letters, journals, and a tattered photo that offer more questions than answers.
Legacy
Jake Barnes, part of legendary country music star Evelyn Hart's management team, is blown away by Amara's voice when he sees her perform at her grandfather's burial. Enraptured, he offers her a deal: he'll help her uncover the truth about her family's past if Amara agrees to come to Nashville and sing for him.
Love
Against a backdrop of music and the drive for answers, Amara and Jake grow closer, testing the boundaries of friendship as the summer passes. With Jake's help, Amara is on the brink of a blindingly bright future, preparing to share her undeniable talent with the world. But when Jake confronts some unsettling truths, he's torn-between Evelyn, who he considers family, and Amara...the woman he's slowly falling in love with.
Audiobook
Published July 16, 2024
54 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
July 17, 2025
Tiye is a new to me author, but I really like what she did here, music and family relationships wise, those were my favourite parts of the story and the reasons why I'll be checking out her other books.
I liked the romance too, but it took so long for them to get together, and not in a slow burn way, but in a she's-engaged-to-someone-else-for-the-majority-of-the-book way. It got to the point where I was wondering if she was ever gonna leave that guy.
We did get an extended epilogue to make up for it, and they had some moments during her other relationship where it was clear they were falling for each other, but I wish Mr Fiance was out of the picture sooner.
Regardless, this was a fun listen, and I can't wait for the TV show!!
3.5
I liked the romance too, but it took so long for them to get together, and not in a slow burn way, but in a she's-engaged-to-someone-else-for-the-majority-of-the-book way. It got to the point where I was wondering if she was ever gonna leave that guy.
We did get an extended epilogue to make up for it, and they had some moments during her other relationship where it was clear they were falling for each other, but I wish Mr Fiance was out of the picture sooner.
Regardless, this was a fun listen, and I can't wait for the TV show!!
3.5
September 24, 2024
You can always count on uncovering family secrets when you lay your elders to rest and for Amara this was no different. After the death of her grandfather, she discovered bthat even though their relationship was minimal due to a rift between him and her father, music bonded them together for life and even thereafter.
After singing at her grandfather’s burial, an old friend of his convinced her to see where her musical journey could take her. Amara found out quickly just how much she and her grandfather had in common and while visiting his hometown realized that it was never too late to chase after her dreams and what a journey it was.
Sometimes we don’t know what we have until it’s gone and for the Johnson family this was more accurate than they realized after learning about Stony’s legacy and what that truly meant for their family.
This was such an amazingly wholesome read. This was unlike anything I’ve ever read by Tiye and I can further appreciate her range as an author. Unlike some of the other readers, I absolutely loved the narration for this book and it brought the story to life even more for me. If you’re looking for a feel good story that warms the soul then this is the book for you!
After singing at her grandfather’s burial, an old friend of his convinced her to see where her musical journey could take her. Amara found out quickly just how much she and her grandfather had in common and while visiting his hometown realized that it was never too late to chase after her dreams and what a journey it was.
Sometimes we don’t know what we have until it’s gone and for the Johnson family this was more accurate than they realized after learning about Stony’s legacy and what that truly meant for their family.
This was such an amazingly wholesome read. This was unlike anything I’ve ever read by Tiye and I can further appreciate her range as an author. Unlike some of the other readers, I absolutely loved the narration for this book and it brought the story to life even more for me. If you’re looking for a feel good story that warms the soul then this is the book for you!
January 5, 2025
Mari x Jake
Wow, what a story!
This book was beautifully written and so layered. It’s been a while since I’ve read something that made me feel like I was right there, scene by scene, or watching it play out on the big screen.
There was so much packed into this story—family, secrets, music, and history. It was perfect and so well done. Nobody can tell me I wasn’t walking the streets of Nashville, seeing it all unfold. That's how well-developed this story was.
Mari’s journey was powerful, and healing and touching. She uncovered beauty, pain, and family secrets while also meeting Jake—a fine somebody with his own pain, love, and secrets.
And Evelyn? She could never make me like her. JS.
A book friend recommended this one, and as always, she didn’t miss. We don’t call her the Queen of Recs for nothing!
Amazing.
If I had to pick, I'd say a little more on the reconciliation between all parties would've been great. Other than that I loved this.
Wow, what a story!
This book was beautifully written and so layered. It’s been a while since I’ve read something that made me feel like I was right there, scene by scene, or watching it play out on the big screen.
There was so much packed into this story—family, secrets, music, and history. It was perfect and so well done. Nobody can tell me I wasn’t walking the streets of Nashville, seeing it all unfold. That's how well-developed this story was.
Mari’s journey was powerful, and healing and touching. She uncovered beauty, pain, and family secrets while also meeting Jake—a fine somebody with his own pain, love, and secrets.
And Evelyn? She could never make me like her. JS.
A book friend recommended this one, and as always, she didn’t miss. We don’t call her the Queen of Recs for nothing!
Amazing.
If I had to pick, I'd say a little more on the reconciliation between all parties would've been great. Other than that I loved this.
July 6, 2025
Past and Present Collide
This was a story of new love in the present and redemption for failed love and legacy in the past.
Amara Johnson's life changed the day she sang honoring her Grandfather at his funeral. She had no idea that her talent would be seen and she would embark on a new journey for her life. Jake Barnes was impressed with Amara 'Mari' Johnson and felt star power all over her. When she showed up looking for him he felt a connection deeper than business. Together they take Country Music in Nashville by storm under covering damning secrets while starting a beautiful love story.
I liked the story, but it was wildly predictable. I had the plot figured out early on and there was a lot of fluff in between. It moved slowly when it was supposed to be suspenseful, but unfortunately that wasn't executed. I was about to DNF, but wanted to see how it finished. The storyline was good, but lacked execution to me.
This was a story of new love in the present and redemption for failed love and legacy in the past.
Amara Johnson's life changed the day she sang honoring her Grandfather at his funeral. She had no idea that her talent would be seen and she would embark on a new journey for her life. Jake Barnes was impressed with Amara 'Mari' Johnson and felt star power all over her. When she showed up looking for him he felt a connection deeper than business. Together they take Country Music in Nashville by storm under covering damning secrets while starting a beautiful love story.
I liked the story, but it was wildly predictable. I had the plot figured out early on and there was a lot of fluff in between. It moved slowly when it was supposed to be suspenseful, but unfortunately that wasn't executed. I was about to DNF, but wanted to see how it finished. The storyline was good, but lacked execution to me.
January 27, 2025
So, so, freaking amazing
I don't know a lot about country music, but, I do know a little about blues. Readers, this story took me on a journey from Memphis to Nashville and back again. My short stay in the ATL as part of this story revealed, that some men aren't about spit. The story was about a musical genius who gave his granddaughter his gifts unbeknownst to her. The accomplice in the story was also unaware. When the two musicians finally come together, they hit the same chorus on a melody that would eventually lead to their happy ending.
4.75 stars....
I don't know a lot about country music, but, I do know a little about blues. Readers, this story took me on a journey from Memphis to Nashville and back again. My short stay in the ATL as part of this story revealed, that some men aren't about spit. The story was about a musical genius who gave his granddaughter his gifts unbeknownst to her. The accomplice in the story was also unaware. When the two musicians finally come together, they hit the same chorus on a melody that would eventually lead to their happy ending.
4.75 stars....
August 5, 2024
I loved this book! Black folks centered around Nashville and country music - yes please. The heroine falling for her manager kind of predictable but still so much that wasn’t in this story so all was good! Thank you Stacie for knowing I would love this story because you know me :)
July 16, 2024
💛Music legacy
🎧Alpha Hero
💛Forbidden love
🎧Workplace - He's Her Manager
💛Slow burn
🎧Love Triangle ish
💛Family secrets
🎧Curvy fmc
💛Close Proximity
Y'all I loved this so much! This is definitely a 5 star audio for me. She's engaged to this absolute douchecanoe. She's at her grandfather's funeral (where of course her fiance couldn't come 🙄) and meets this man. He's Mysterious and knows much more about her grandpa then she knew. After he heard her sing he had to meet her. Together they light her love for black music history, music, performing and her grandfather.
But they also ignite a little something else 🤭🤭. There isnt cheating... But there is angst and tension. Then a fire 🔥 relationship blooming.
This was overall such a fun audiobook but also emotional, steamy and filled with drama and family secrets.
Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for this ALC.
🎧Alpha Hero
💛Forbidden love
🎧Workplace - He's Her Manager
💛Slow burn
🎧Love Triangle ish
💛Family secrets
🎧Curvy fmc
💛Close Proximity
Y'all I loved this so much! This is definitely a 5 star audio for me. She's engaged to this absolute douchecanoe. She's at her grandfather's funeral (where of course her fiance couldn't come 🙄) and meets this man. He's Mysterious and knows much more about her grandpa then she knew. After he heard her sing he had to meet her. Together they light her love for black music history, music, performing and her grandfather.
But they also ignite a little something else 🤭🤭. There isnt cheating... But there is angst and tension. Then a fire 🔥 relationship blooming.
This was overall such a fun audiobook but also emotional, steamy and filled with drama and family secrets.
Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for this ALC.
July 25, 2024
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️🌶️
Ugh this book! All the feels! I loved it from beginning to end! I didn’t know what I was getting into but I loved Amara’s journey to fame in this one! As a fellow lover of country music, this story spoke to me and grabbed me!
Listen. Jake was the one, okay?! The tension and push and pull between him and Amara was so high! I liked seeing him be professional and support her in her career the best way that he could but I loved his narrative where he showed how weak he truly was for her. Their dynamic was intense and passionate in more ways than just the music!
Amara has so much she was trying to balance and discover about her life and her love of music. This truly was a story about legacy and family. There was so much personal growth on her end and I feel like I was really along on this crazy ride with her. Trying to follow her heart while also doing what was best for her wasn’t always a straight line. There was a struggle in being who she was meant to be and what was expected of her. I was rooting for her and her success. I really enjoyed learning with her!
Fuck Philip! That’s it on the matter. He made me want to punch something real bad.
The resolution/HEA was perfection! I cannot wait to own a copy of this book for my shelf 🥰
I would recommend this book to my romance lovers who enjoy angst and celebrity romance! A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this for review!
2.5/5 🌶️🌶️
Ugh this book! All the feels! I loved it from beginning to end! I didn’t know what I was getting into but I loved Amara’s journey to fame in this one! As a fellow lover of country music, this story spoke to me and grabbed me!
Listen. Jake was the one, okay?! The tension and push and pull between him and Amara was so high! I liked seeing him be professional and support her in her career the best way that he could but I loved his narrative where he showed how weak he truly was for her. Their dynamic was intense and passionate in more ways than just the music!
Amara has so much she was trying to balance and discover about her life and her love of music. This truly was a story about legacy and family. There was so much personal growth on her end and I feel like I was really along on this crazy ride with her. Trying to follow her heart while also doing what was best for her wasn’t always a straight line. There was a struggle in being who she was meant to be and what was expected of her. I was rooting for her and her success. I really enjoyed learning with her!
Fuck Philip! That’s it on the matter. He made me want to punch something real bad.
The resolution/HEA was perfection! I cannot wait to own a copy of this book for my shelf 🥰
I would recommend this book to my romance lovers who enjoy angst and celebrity romance! A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this for review!
May 11, 2025
No note beautifully done
May 28, 2025
*audiobook*
May 7, 2025
I listen to the audiobook and didn’t like the male narrator. The story was good!
June 30, 2024
Thank you for the ALC to this audio book from NetGalley!!
I enjoyed the book and thought it was well written. I especially enjoyed the narration of the male character voiced by Benjamin Charles. What a lovely voice and performance. iiKane voiced the FMC's voice and did a great job, though the cadence of the delivery was somewhat jarring to me.
This book is about a black woman with an incredible voice being discovered and whisked away to Nashville to follow her dream. There she finds mysteries about her estranged grandfather who has passed away, falls in love while engaged (there is some mild cheating in this book) and most importantly she finds her voice, and her passion for music and performing. I liked that the book didn't shy away from issues of race, especially as it pertains to country music.
Though I think some people are going to absolutely love this book, my biggest issue was with the pacing. A couple of times I considered DNFing because it was just too long and not enough happening.
Also I just don't ever think there is a good reason to describe the v@gina as a "honey pot".
I enjoyed the book and thought it was well written. I especially enjoyed the narration of the male character voiced by Benjamin Charles. What a lovely voice and performance. iiKane voiced the FMC's voice and did a great job, though the cadence of the delivery was somewhat jarring to me.
This book is about a black woman with an incredible voice being discovered and whisked away to Nashville to follow her dream. There she finds mysteries about her estranged grandfather who has passed away, falls in love while engaged (there is some mild cheating in this book) and most importantly she finds her voice, and her passion for music and performing. I liked that the book didn't shy away from issues of race, especially as it pertains to country music.
Though I think some people are going to absolutely love this book, my biggest issue was with the pacing. A couple of times I considered DNFing because it was just too long and not enough happening.
Also I just don't ever think there is a good reason to describe the v@gina as a "honey pot".
July 8, 2024
I was curious about this book. I loved that we were getting a country singer person of color and it made me really excited about this one. I was also looking forward to the audiobook because dreamscape media was releasing it before the physical print.
If you're going to release the audiobook early, make sure it's an incredible production. Both narrators really struggled here. The reading was incredibly stiff and almost robotic. There was a lack of emotion. Also, the male narrator did awful with women voices, sometimes dropping their voices lower than the men's!
Trying to separate the narration for the story, I found the storyline to plod along at times, without giving much in the middle. The romance goes from nothing to them talking about love in a chapter. And I thought there would be more about the FMC's singing and music and career when that was really the backend of the story most of the time.
I think it could be stronger than it is, but I still enjoyed it well enough.
If you're going to release the audiobook early, make sure it's an incredible production. Both narrators really struggled here. The reading was incredibly stiff and almost robotic. There was a lack of emotion. Also, the male narrator did awful with women voices, sometimes dropping their voices lower than the men's!
Trying to separate the narration for the story, I found the storyline to plod along at times, without giving much in the middle. The romance goes from nothing to them talking about love in a chapter. And I thought there would be more about the FMC's singing and music and career when that was really the backend of the story most of the time.
I think it could be stronger than it is, but I still enjoyed it well enough.
September 7, 2025
Rifts and Refrains weaves a compelling story of talent, legacy, and love, set against the vibrant backdrop of the music industry. Amara Johnson, , is a music teacher with an undeniable gift for guitar and poetry. The story kicks off with the passing of her estranged grandfather, a renowned blues musician, leading Amara to uncover a trove of personal artifacts that hint at a deeper family history.Jake is captivated by Amara’s voice during a performance at her grandfather's funeral. This meeting sets the stage for a mutually beneficial pact: Jake promises to help Amara unravel her family's mysteries if she agrees to pursue her musical career in Nashville under his guidance.
As Amara delves into her family's enigmatic past, her relationship with Jake blossoms.
Overall, this book is a heartfelt and engaging read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about family secrets, personal growth, and the transformative power of love and music. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, making their journeys all the more compelling.
As Amara delves into her family's enigmatic past, her relationship with Jake blossoms.
Overall, this book is a heartfelt and engaging read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about family secrets, personal growth, and the transformative power of love and music. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, making their journeys all the more compelling.
January 5, 2025
I attempted to listen to this book several months ago but my moodiness coupled with the female narrator 🥴 weren’t in alignment at the time. I’m so glad I revisited and didn’t allow the narration to detract from this amazing, well-crafted story about love and redemption.
Despite the predictable family secret that I figured out early in the novel, the story was solid from beginning to end and at times it felt like I was listening to an actual movie. I also appreciate the creativity and break from the typical formula.
I understand its slated to become a series and hope the television adaptation does the story justice. 🤞🏾
Despite the predictable family secret that I figured out early in the novel, the story was solid from beginning to end and at times it felt like I was listening to an actual movie. I also appreciate the creativity and break from the typical formula.
I understand its slated to become a series and hope the television adaptation does the story justice. 🤞🏾
July 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I've never read anything by this author before. I'll try more of her work.
The story captured my attention from the beginning. I found myself reacting to situations like they were real. Had to remind myself this was a book and not real life.
I'm not a fan of the narration. The narrators were too mechanical in their delivery for me. The conversations and intimate scenes didn't have the easy/natural flow that I hope for.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story captured my attention from the beginning. I found myself reacting to situations like they were real. Had to remind myself this was a book and not real life.
I'm not a fan of the narration. The narrators were too mechanical in their delivery for me. The conversations and intimate scenes didn't have the easy/natural flow that I hope for.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2024
This was one of the best books I've listened to this year. Absolutely enthralling. 💯 the angst between the two main characters. 😘 The story arc about a music legend not receiving his due credit. 😘 the racial undertones. All the subplots and parallel stories of love and lost and music. ❤️❤️❤️ Everything tied together so well. My heart is so full. This story was so well rounded and so complete. I loved everything about it. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed the history on black country music. Its not so shocking now, but its still a joy to hear about it. I enjoyed the audio. Benjamin Charles and IIkane are favorites of mines.
July 17, 2024
I think my biggest problem with this book was the female narrator, her delivery felt really robotic to me and it kept taking me out of the story.
I liked the storyline enough. The connection with her grandpa was interesting but I never felt fully invested or connected with this one, had it not been an ALC I might have chose to DNF.
I was given an ALC of this audiobook and my opinions were my own.
I liked the storyline enough. The connection with her grandpa was interesting but I never felt fully invested or connected with this one, had it not been an ALC I might have chose to DNF.
I was given an ALC of this audiobook and my opinions were my own.
August 5, 2024
This as such a beautiful story!! This book gave me ALL the feels, I was laughing, cheesing, upset, and clutching my pearls….lol. This is a story about finding your roots, discovering who you are and following your dreams despite having the support of the people you want it from the most. I just read that this is going to made into a a show and it’s going to EP by Kennedy Ryan, so happy for the author and hopefully we can get this in a physical as well!
August 2, 2024
I am so grateful that I saw one of my favorite authors do an Instagram live with the Tiye and really hype this book up, otherwise I'm not sure I would have found it. I was a little thrown off that it is only available on audio right now, but I had a few Audible credits and in the end I am so happy I used one, because I know that I will be listening again. Right away I was invested in this story, and could just image seeing it on screen (turns out that it was picked up by Peacock and will be produced by Kennedy Ryan). I loved Amara and her journey to making her dreams come true, and while there were times I really wanted to throat punch Jake I did like him. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two, and thought that they made a good team. This one is full of fun tropes, it is spicy, there were some funny moments and loved the conversations about being Black in country music. This one is perfect for fans of Beyonces country era. It's got just the right amount of drama, some family secrets and of course romance and spice. I will say there are talks of infidelity and one questionable cheating scene on page, but not enough to skip the book. I'm really hoping this becomes a series and we get more in this lovely little world Tiye created.
October 12, 2024
I fucking loved this book!
May 22, 2025
3.5 This is my first book by this author and a BOOKCLUB read. I enjoyed the country music aspect of this book. Overall I would read more books by this author.
August 18, 2024
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars! Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.
This is my first time reading something from this author, and it will not be my last.
I really enjoyed the love story that was created between Amara and Jake, and also the obstacles that they had to face along the way. The story has family secrets, love, and also shows how you may find love under circumstances that are out of your control when you least expect it.
If you don’t like the cheating trope, this book might not work for you, but I really enjoyed the story and also the narration. Definitely recommend!
This is my first time reading something from this author, and it will not be my last.
I really enjoyed the love story that was created between Amara and Jake, and also the obstacles that they had to face along the way. The story has family secrets, love, and also shows how you may find love under circumstances that are out of your control when you least expect it.
If you don’t like the cheating trope, this book might not work for you, but I really enjoyed the story and also the narration. Definitely recommend!
July 14, 2024
While the premise of this one was decent, there were some serious faults. I did not like the interest they both had in each other while she was still in a relationship. While nothing much happened between them, it’s a big no-no in my world. I don’t like the situations she was in and the way she openly did things her fiancé didn’t want her to do. Sure, he didn’t seem super great either but she was happy with him at one point. It’s hard to imagine she wouldn’t have stayed with him in a different situation. For me, that piece made me not like this book enough to not recommend it.
dnf
July 11, 2024DNF @ 7%
I realize 7% is incredibly early to DNF a book, HOWEVER, I was contemplating DNFing within the first few minutes of this audiobook which is incredibly disappointing, because I was VERY excited about the premise of this book.
That said, this review is not on the book itself because I did not listen far enough to do so, this review is strictly on the narration.
Within minutes (probably seconds) I knew there was a chance I wouldn't be finishing this audio and that is because of the jarring, staccato cadence of the female narrator specifically.
I have listened to A LOT of audiobooks over the years and as a result I can tolerate a lot more narration quirks or pet peeves than many other people can.
But this was painful.
The sentences are delivered in an incredibly choppy way. It sounds like the narrator is reading lines in front of them rather than telling a story. I understand that they ARE in fact reading lines in front of them, but there does need to be a level of acting and performance in the delivery and that just didn't happen here.
It very quickly became clear to me that I would not be enjoying this listen as I found the narration style to completely distract me from the actual story and couldn't tell you a single detail about the book in the first 7%.
I realize 7% is incredibly early to DNF a book, HOWEVER, I was contemplating DNFing within the first few minutes of this audiobook which is incredibly disappointing, because I was VERY excited about the premise of this book.
That said, this review is not on the book itself because I did not listen far enough to do so, this review is strictly on the narration.
Within minutes (probably seconds) I knew there was a chance I wouldn't be finishing this audio and that is because of the jarring, staccato cadence of the female narrator specifically.
I have listened to A LOT of audiobooks over the years and as a result I can tolerate a lot more narration quirks or pet peeves than many other people can.
But this was painful.
The sentences are delivered in an incredibly choppy way. It sounds like the narrator is reading lines in front of them rather than telling a story. I understand that they ARE in fact reading lines in front of them, but there does need to be a level of acting and performance in the delivery and that just didn't happen here.
It very quickly became clear to me that I would not be enjoying this listen as I found the narration style to completely distract me from the actual story and couldn't tell you a single detail about the book in the first 7%.
July 19, 2024
Rating: I loved this
What I thought:
* I enjoyed the plot and storyline. I felt that this was a little different than what I have read before. Although I figured out who was "shady" it didn't take away from the story. I loved the slow progression into the friendship/relationship between Mari and Jake.
*Music - I love the this was a focus of having Mari breaking into the country music scene being a black woman, in a white dominated genre. I loved that Jake was not doing what was the norm of having Mari go down the R&B route. He knew her sound and what she would sound great at doing. I loved how this also highlighted the issues where music was
* Relationships- I loved how this story showed different relationship dynamics. Mari's relationship with her parents regarding her choice of career. Jakes relationship with his biological and step father. Mari's relationship with Philip (don't like him by the way-very selfish) and the realization of what it really was.
Overall, I thought that this book was a reminder to never let your dreams fall and become a nonfactor. Never dull your light because someone else can't handle your shine. I loved all of the music aspects of this story as I love all types of music. Jakes passion...I have so many thoughts that I can't put into words currently. The Rifts and Refrains poem at the end...LOVED it!!
What I thought:
* I enjoyed the plot and storyline. I felt that this was a little different than what I have read before. Although I figured out who was "shady" it didn't take away from the story. I loved the slow progression into the friendship/relationship between Mari and Jake.
*Music - I love the this was a focus of having Mari breaking into the country music scene being a black woman, in a white dominated genre. I loved that Jake was not doing what was the norm of having Mari go down the R&B route. He knew her sound and what she would sound great at doing. I loved how this also highlighted the issues where music was
* Relationships- I loved how this story showed different relationship dynamics. Mari's relationship with her parents regarding her choice of career. Jakes relationship with his biological and step father. Mari's relationship with Philip (don't like him by the way-very selfish) and the realization of what it really was.
Overall, I thought that this book was a reminder to never let your dreams fall and become a nonfactor. Never dull your light because someone else can't handle your shine. I loved all of the music aspects of this story as I love all types of music. Jakes passion...I have so many thoughts that I can't put into words currently. The Rifts and Refrains poem at the end...LOVED it!!
March 7, 2025
Rated 4.5 Stars
I loved Rifts and Refrains. It was engaging. It kept my attention from start to finish. I loved listening to these narrators and going on this journey with these characters. It was one of self and familial discovery. There were secrets, betrayal and sexy times too. It was predictable but that in no way took away from how enjoyable it was. I adored it and thought the narrators superbly executed it. This is my first time reading this author and it most certainly won't be my last. I love her style and voice. I look forward to reading the rest of her work. I highly recommend this book.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
I loved Rifts and Refrains. It was engaging. It kept my attention from start to finish. I loved listening to these narrators and going on this journey with these characters. It was one of self and familial discovery. There were secrets, betrayal and sexy times too. It was predictable but that in no way took away from how enjoyable it was. I adored it and thought the narrators superbly executed it. This is my first time reading this author and it most certainly won't be my last. I love her style and voice. I look forward to reading the rest of her work. I highly recommend this book.
Copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
September 5, 2024
This book was a little long and a little repetitive, now let’s get to the review.
A story of love. A story of family, A story of secrets. A story of music. This love story set in backdrop of the Nashville music scene. This is a story of a woman finding her voice. In every area of life. I recommend this store of you love music and a love at first sight story.
I listened to the ALC the narrators Benjamin Charles and iiKane did a good job.
A story of love. A story of family, A story of secrets. A story of music. This love story set in backdrop of the Nashville music scene. This is a story of a woman finding her voice. In every area of life. I recommend this store of you love music and a love at first sight story.
I listened to the ALC the narrators Benjamin Charles and iiKane did a good job.
August 16, 2024
I love me a good black love story. Jake and Mari were a match made in heaven. I really enjoyed the lyrics and thought they fit perfectly. Although it’s a bit predictable, the storyline kept me engaged. I didn’t love the narration and wished I could’ve read this as an ebook instead. It was something about their pacing or cadence that didn’t come off genuine to me. It kept pulling me out of the story. I’d probably enjoyed this more in a different format.
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