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Counterpoint
When gorgeous trumpet-playing security guard, Lisa, literally tumbles into her life, Rachel wonders if her quiet existence is about to change. Living at home with her religious mother doesn’t make dating easy. And Rachel’s job at the local community centre often sees her working evenings and weekends. No matter how lovely Lisa is, surely Rachel doesn’t have room in her life for starting a new relationship.
Lisa, rebuilding her life after her move to London, loves two her job as a security guard and playing her beloved trumpet. When a chance to play in a local jazz band comes up, she jumps at it. That the band practices at the community centre where shy but beautiful Rachel works is a total bonus.
Their mutual attraction rapidly climbs, but Rachel’s complicated home life means they need to take things slow. Lisa can be patient, though, and she’s sure Rachel is worth the wait.
However, when Lisa stumbles across something that raises huge questions about Rachel’s past, it leads to revelations no one saw coming. With consequences not only for Rachel and Lisa’s relationship, but Rachel’s entire life.
As a new future presents itself to Rachel, is she brave enough to face it head on? And will she want Lisa by her side as she does so?
Lisa, rebuilding her life after her move to London, loves two her job as a security guard and playing her beloved trumpet. When a chance to play in a local jazz band comes up, she jumps at it. That the band practices at the community centre where shy but beautiful Rachel works is a total bonus.
Their mutual attraction rapidly climbs, but Rachel’s complicated home life means they need to take things slow. Lisa can be patient, though, and she’s sure Rachel is worth the wait.
However, when Lisa stumbles across something that raises huge questions about Rachel’s past, it leads to revelations no one saw coming. With consequences not only for Rachel and Lisa’s relationship, but Rachel’s entire life.
As a new future presents itself to Rachel, is she brave enough to face it head on? And will she want Lisa by her side as she does so?
- GenresLesbian
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
38 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Brooks
23 books326 followersA.L. Brooks was born in the UK but currently resides in Frankfurt, Germany, and over the years she has lived in places as far afield as Aberdeen and Australia. She works 9–5 in corporate financial systems and her dream is to take early retirement. Like, tomorrow, please. She loves her gym membership, and is very grateful for it as she also loves dark chocolate. She enjoys drinking good wine and craft beer, trying out new recipes to cook, and learning German. Travelling around the world and reading lots and lots (and lots) of books are also things that fight for time with her writing. Yep, she really needs that early retirement.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 15, 2025
I enjoyed Counterpoint by AL Brooks. This is my first read by Brooks, and I look forward to more.
The sweet and organic nature of Rachel and Lisa's relationship was delightful. They are both likable and interesting characters in their own right, but they are also just so cute together.
This is a quick read at a steady pace that held my interest throughout. I was invested in the mains relationship, friendships, and Rachel's complicated circumstances. It isn't difficult to figure out that something is up with her mother, but it does not lessen the suspense for me. The seriousness of the situation is handled well with healthy coping methods and a strong, supportive found family. I also like how, for them, playing music was a constant source of comfort.
Counterpoint is well-written, well-edited, and has an engaging storyline with low-to-mid angst and low-to-mid open-door spice. We are gifted with a happy and hopeful ending.
#securityguard #communitycenter #jazzband #trumpet #piano #familytrauma #narcissist #mentalhealth #therapy #foundfamily #London #UK #HEA
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion. Counterpoint is currently available.
The sweet and organic nature of Rachel and Lisa's relationship was delightful. They are both likable and interesting characters in their own right, but they are also just so cute together.
This is a quick read at a steady pace that held my interest throughout. I was invested in the mains relationship, friendships, and Rachel's complicated circumstances. It isn't difficult to figure out that something is up with her mother, but it does not lessen the suspense for me. The seriousness of the situation is handled well with healthy coping methods and a strong, supportive found family. I also like how, for them, playing music was a constant source of comfort.
Counterpoint is well-written, well-edited, and has an engaging storyline with low-to-mid angst and low-to-mid open-door spice. We are gifted with a happy and hopeful ending.
#securityguard #communitycenter #jazzband #trumpet #piano #familytrauma #narcissist #mentalhealth #therapy #foundfamily #London #UK #HEA
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion. Counterpoint is currently available.
April 8, 2025
Rachel’s life is complicated by trying to do her best for her demanding mother. She works at a local community centre where she can occasionally secretly indulge in her moments of escape, playing the piano.
Lisa is a security guard who auditions for a jazz band that practices at the centre. Not all members of the all guy band are thrilled about taking on a female trumpet player, no matter how good she is.
Rachel is wrapped in the music and the gorgeous trumpet player and Lisa is attracted to the shy, beautiful Rachel. The path to their HEA doesn’t run smoothly, especially when Lisa uncovers Rachel’s mother’s secret. Interesting slow-burn romance.
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy of this book and this is a genuine review.
Lisa is a security guard who auditions for a jazz band that practices at the centre. Not all members of the all guy band are thrilled about taking on a female trumpet player, no matter how good she is.
Rachel is wrapped in the music and the gorgeous trumpet player and Lisa is attracted to the shy, beautiful Rachel. The path to their HEA doesn’t run smoothly, especially when Lisa uncovers Rachel’s mother’s secret. Interesting slow-burn romance.
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy of this book and this is a genuine review.
March 16, 2025
This is the most exciting book from A. L. Brooks that I have ever read! It is part mystery, part romance with tons of drama and past history. I can relate with both of the MCs, the struggle to make ends meet, the desire of finding everlasting love, the unstoppable determination of finding one's root. The writing is superb and the story is complex but heartwarming.
April 23, 2025
Sweet, emotional romance
Lisa is rebuilding her life when she meets Rachel. Rachel’s always struggled with dating because of living with her highly religious mother and the demands she puts on her. When Lisa stumbles across something that opens up Rachel looking into her past, their lives change forever.
I resonated with a lot of the things Rachel was going through in this story, not on the same level, but I could empathise with a lot of her thoughts and feelings about relationships. I understood her hesitance to try again after what had happened in the past, so I was in awe of how supportive, kind and patient Lisa was. Lisa hadn’t had it easy either, so she was the perfect match to support Rachel through this. When she discovered something she knew would devastate Rachel, we really got to know how kind and caring she was, because she really worried about whether it was the right thing to do or would just hurt Rachel and ruin what they were building.
In between all the tense moments, Rachel and Lisa shared some super cute moments that had me loving them together so much. Rachel was really welcoming of Lisa’s friendship and wanted to make sure she felt a part of the new community she now lived in. Joining the local jazz band also helped to make sure Lisa had other new friends she could turn to for help and guidance when she needed it. And even Rachel had a great friend in her boss, who also offered as much support as they could when Rachel’s world was falling apart.
Such a great story that really captured my heart. Loved it!!!
Lisa is rebuilding her life when she meets Rachel. Rachel’s always struggled with dating because of living with her highly religious mother and the demands she puts on her. When Lisa stumbles across something that opens up Rachel looking into her past, their lives change forever.
I resonated with a lot of the things Rachel was going through in this story, not on the same level, but I could empathise with a lot of her thoughts and feelings about relationships. I understood her hesitance to try again after what had happened in the past, so I was in awe of how supportive, kind and patient Lisa was. Lisa hadn’t had it easy either, so she was the perfect match to support Rachel through this. When she discovered something she knew would devastate Rachel, we really got to know how kind and caring she was, because she really worried about whether it was the right thing to do or would just hurt Rachel and ruin what they were building.
In between all the tense moments, Rachel and Lisa shared some super cute moments that had me loving them together so much. Rachel was really welcoming of Lisa’s friendship and wanted to make sure she felt a part of the new community she now lived in. Joining the local jazz band also helped to make sure Lisa had other new friends she could turn to for help and guidance when she needed it. And even Rachel had a great friend in her boss, who also offered as much support as they could when Rachel’s world was falling apart.
Such a great story that really captured my heart. Loved it!!!
March 23, 2025
Such believable and refreshing character development! The writing was poignant and I really felt connected to the story. The topic of emotional connection and love overcoming emotional abuse is well … emotional! Be prepared to be invested in this slow burn, love conquers all drama.
November 9, 2025
When your life is spent taking care of family, at what point will you start to prioritize yourself and your happiness? For timid Rachel a beautiful stranger serves as her wake up call. Counterpoint is a story of trust, friendship and love. Trigger warning: this story deals with a mentally abusive family relationship.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Quiet and reserved Rachel works for the local community center by day and the rest of her hours are reserved to take care of her devoutly Christian mother. Would she like to have more fun in her life? Actually yes! A little love would also be highly appreciated. Still, her complicated home life doesn’t leave much time for anything besides work and her mum. When the jazz band that practices at the community center holds auditions for a new trumpet player, Rachel’s existence is about to get a lot more interesting. Gorgeous security guard slash trumpeter Lisa wows the band with her talent. And Rachel? Rachel just might have to dig deep to find space in her life for this woman…
The opening scene is seriously funny. The descriptive imagery made me snicker. A stunning cyclist ending up halfway across a barren raised flowerbed, spitting out dirt and saying ‘bugger’. Yeah, this is gonna be a fun read. It’s that humor that stands in sharp contrast to the horrendous reality of Rachel’s relationship with her mom.
Just to be frank: Rachel’s mom is a b*tch. To me it is very clear that she is hiding something behind her God fearing church persona. I could never have imagined the true heinous nature of this woman.
I applauded loudly when Rachel finally began to stand up to her.
Lisa is a big part of the reason Rachel wants things to change. Lisa is kind and patient and understanding, exactly what Rachel needs. Lisa herself knows Rachel is worth waiting for. She suspects Rachel’s mum to not be entirely trustworthy but still lets Rachel move at her own pace. I thought that was very admirable.
I loved seeing Rachel grow more into herself while her relationship with Lisa is evolving. Who would have thought timid, sweet Rachel could be a little vixen?! To me it was proof that she really trusted Lisa for her to be able to show that side of herself.
The jazz band is a bunch of old and sweet men. Except for Jim. Him being a bigot and a sexist is truly annoying. I cheered for the rest of the bandmates when they continually put him in his place and of course Lisa herself took no crap from the old dude. Go girl! Another honorable mention goes to Rachel’s boss and friend Deepti. She embodies the ‘best friend’ role perfectly: teasing and gossiping one moment and in the next she is exactly the voice of reason Rachel needs.
A.L. Brooks manages to write about a mentally abusive relationship between Rachel and her mum and still bring levity and sweet romance. The personal growth Rachel goes through is immense and heartwarming to see. I need an epilogue to see what she ends up doing with her life! One thing is a given: it is a HEA, a Happily Every After. And boy, does she deserve it.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Quiet and reserved Rachel works for the local community center by day and the rest of her hours are reserved to take care of her devoutly Christian mother. Would she like to have more fun in her life? Actually yes! A little love would also be highly appreciated. Still, her complicated home life doesn’t leave much time for anything besides work and her mum. When the jazz band that practices at the community center holds auditions for a new trumpet player, Rachel’s existence is about to get a lot more interesting. Gorgeous security guard slash trumpeter Lisa wows the band with her talent. And Rachel? Rachel just might have to dig deep to find space in her life for this woman…
The opening scene is seriously funny. The descriptive imagery made me snicker. A stunning cyclist ending up halfway across a barren raised flowerbed, spitting out dirt and saying ‘bugger’. Yeah, this is gonna be a fun read. It’s that humor that stands in sharp contrast to the horrendous reality of Rachel’s relationship with her mom.
Just to be frank: Rachel’s mom is a b*tch. To me it is very clear that she is hiding something behind her God fearing church persona. I could never have imagined the true heinous nature of this woman.
I applauded loudly when Rachel finally began to stand up to her.
Lisa is a big part of the reason Rachel wants things to change. Lisa is kind and patient and understanding, exactly what Rachel needs. Lisa herself knows Rachel is worth waiting for. She suspects Rachel’s mum to not be entirely trustworthy but still lets Rachel move at her own pace. I thought that was very admirable.
I loved seeing Rachel grow more into herself while her relationship with Lisa is evolving. Who would have thought timid, sweet Rachel could be a little vixen?! To me it was proof that she really trusted Lisa for her to be able to show that side of herself.
The jazz band is a bunch of old and sweet men. Except for Jim. Him being a bigot and a sexist is truly annoying. I cheered for the rest of the bandmates when they continually put him in his place and of course Lisa herself took no crap from the old dude. Go girl! Another honorable mention goes to Rachel’s boss and friend Deepti. She embodies the ‘best friend’ role perfectly: teasing and gossiping one moment and in the next she is exactly the voice of reason Rachel needs.
A.L. Brooks manages to write about a mentally abusive relationship between Rachel and her mum and still bring levity and sweet romance. The personal growth Rachel goes through is immense and heartwarming to see. I need an epilogue to see what she ends up doing with her life! One thing is a given: it is a HEA, a Happily Every After. And boy, does she deserve it.
February 27, 2025
I really appreciate it when I start reading a book and the MCs get to know each other right from the start, because you spend so much time with them ;) I really liked that in this story.
There couldn't be enough time with Lisa and Rachel.
That's why I devoured it!
They are so sweet and nervous. It's really heartwarming.
The drama unfolds slowly and I really enjoyed spending time with these two and how tentatively they find each other.
But it's very quickly obvious, that something is wrong with Rachel's family.
The "villain" appears inconspicuous but mean and you'll quickly hate them!
Poor Rachel, however, still believes in the good things and the good in people, so it's business as usual for quite a long time. It's Lisa and her big heart and concern for Rachel that sets everything in motion and brings to light what needs to come to light!
Rachel is good, honest and cares very much about those she loves.
But not everyone deserves the love she has to give.
She has to learn that the hard way.
Lisa, is that kind of person and she does everything she can to earn that love and give it back three times over.
Thanks so much to A.L Brooks for the ARC and this wonderful romance. This is my honest review.
There couldn't be enough time with Lisa and Rachel.
That's why I devoured it!
They are so sweet and nervous. It's really heartwarming.
The drama unfolds slowly and I really enjoyed spending time with these two and how tentatively they find each other.
But it's very quickly obvious, that something is wrong with Rachel's family.
The "villain" appears inconspicuous but mean and you'll quickly hate them!
Poor Rachel, however, still believes in the good things and the good in people, so it's business as usual for quite a long time. It's Lisa and her big heart and concern for Rachel that sets everything in motion and brings to light what needs to come to light!
Rachel is good, honest and cares very much about those she loves.
But not everyone deserves the love she has to give.
She has to learn that the hard way.
Lisa, is that kind of person and she does everything she can to earn that love and give it back three times over.
Thanks so much to A.L Brooks for the ARC and this wonderful romance. This is my honest review.
March 19, 2025
Now I enjoyed this. A lot.
It is set in the UK, has 'normal' people in it (a community centre worker and a security guard) - and also contains a proper story as well as the romance. So there is a lot to enjoy.
Whilst the romance is all about Lisa and Rachel - the story is also about Rachel and her mother. The decisions that parents make about their own lives always affect the children. And that is certainly true here.
I will also admit to having a thing about bikes. At one point in my life I owned 15 of them, though I have reduced my collection down to a manageable 5 at the moment as that is a little more practical.
And this story opens with Lisa falling headfirst off her bike into a raised flower bed. - at Rachel's feet. What could be more romantic?
It is quite the ride following the mother in this story to figure out what she's been up to as well.
This is definitely a book to be read.
It is set in the UK, has 'normal' people in it (a community centre worker and a security guard) - and also contains a proper story as well as the romance. So there is a lot to enjoy.
Whilst the romance is all about Lisa and Rachel - the story is also about Rachel and her mother. The decisions that parents make about their own lives always affect the children. And that is certainly true here.
I will also admit to having a thing about bikes. At one point in my life I owned 15 of them, though I have reduced my collection down to a manageable 5 at the moment as that is a little more practical.
And this story opens with Lisa falling headfirst off her bike into a raised flower bed. - at Rachel's feet. What could be more romantic?
It is quite the ride following the mother in this story to figure out what she's been up to as well.
This is definitely a book to be read.
September 30, 2025
I’m gonna need a minute…
WHAT…and I don’t mean this lightly…THE FRICK
Now, obviously you know to expect an amazing story from Brooks. Well rounded characters, story and all that jazz. You obviously get all that by the bucket load, what I didn’t expect was the ‘mother’!. I read the bumf and had some idea of what to expect. Boy was I wrong!. I don’t want to say anything else as it will give things away.
Rachel and Lisa are a cute couple…eventually. Both have a past which makes them weary about a new relationship. The way they meet for the first time had me chuckling for a while. Through the story you get to see that they really are perfect for each other, whether it’s being the person to stand by them through hardship or taking them for who they are, they just fit.
I enjoyed this book so much, it left me speechless on more than one occasion, the last chapter made up for all that though. Highly recommend reading it.
WHAT…and I don’t mean this lightly…THE FRICK
Now, obviously you know to expect an amazing story from Brooks. Well rounded characters, story and all that jazz. You obviously get all that by the bucket load, what I didn’t expect was the ‘mother’!. I read the bumf and had some idea of what to expect. Boy was I wrong!. I don’t want to say anything else as it will give things away.
Rachel and Lisa are a cute couple…eventually. Both have a past which makes them weary about a new relationship. The way they meet for the first time had me chuckling for a while. Through the story you get to see that they really are perfect for each other, whether it’s being the person to stand by them through hardship or taking them for who they are, they just fit.
I enjoyed this book so much, it left me speechless on more than one occasion, the last chapter made up for all that though. Highly recommend reading it.
March 14, 2025
I love a book that immediately consumes my attention. Counterpoint was just such a story and the characters had me on edge, nervous about decisions that had to be made and just a plain wreck-of-a-reader! It was one of those instances where you wish you could communicate advice to the characters, knowing you’ll cringe if they don’t listen to you!
Lisa played the trumpet and went for a band audition at a community center where Rachel worked. An immediate attraction led to a budding relationship until Lisa learned something unsettling. She had to make a decision that could hurt Rachel and ruin things between them.
The story contained numerous, interesting characters. It also contained one very bad egg that provided the opportunity for others to come together and shine.
A.L. Brooks is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints. I really enjoyed this book!
Lisa played the trumpet and went for a band audition at a community center where Rachel worked. An immediate attraction led to a budding relationship until Lisa learned something unsettling. She had to make a decision that could hurt Rachel and ruin things between them.
The story contained numerous, interesting characters. It also contained one very bad egg that provided the opportunity for others to come together and shine.
A.L. Brooks is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints. I really enjoyed this book!
March 15, 2025
When Lisa literally falls at Rachel's feet, it must be a sign. May, maybe not with how fast Rachel backs off... still, Lisa is happy to see a notice at the community center, a band looking for a trumpeter. It must be fate!
Rachel goes home to a controlling, religious mother. Whom she cooks and cleans for, too. (I've barely met her and i hate her.)
Lisa and Rachel meet again at the band tryouts, and once again Lisa finds Rachel cute but shy.
Deepti is a sweetheart by the way. Aww.
Lisa asks Rachel out, they start dating and she meets Rachel's Mom. Whom, it appears deliberately, is sabotaging their chances to date.
Then Lisa, on the job, sees Rachel's Mom at a high end restaurant guzzling champagne when she's supposed to be at church.
The plot thickens....
Really solidly good book. Good romance, surprisingly awful villain.
Rachel goes home to a controlling, religious mother. Whom she cooks and cleans for, too. (I've barely met her and i hate her.)
Lisa and Rachel meet again at the band tryouts, and once again Lisa finds Rachel cute but shy.
Deepti is a sweetheart by the way. Aww.
Lisa asks Rachel out, they start dating and she meets Rachel's Mom. Whom, it appears deliberately, is sabotaging their chances to date.
Then Lisa, on the job, sees Rachel's Mom at a high end restaurant guzzling champagne when she's supposed to be at church.
The plot thickens....
Really solidly good book. Good romance, surprisingly awful villain.
July 10, 2025
A down to earth sweet love story with an infuriating side character (Rachel's mother), a lovely supporting side character (Lisa's landlady) and a whole bunch of lovely 'old geezers'.
Nice to read a story about MC's who have normal jobs that I can relate too. No celebrities, big or minor, just a trumpet playing security guard and a receptionist at a local community centre. Their interactions were credible and sweet.
Nice to read a story about MC's who have normal jobs that I can relate too. No celebrities, big or minor, just a trumpet playing security guard and a receptionist at a local community centre. Their interactions were credible and sweet.
May 13, 2025
An Emotional Story Filled With Love!
This was such a unique storyline. A story that as it unfolded had me so absorbed I couldn’t put it down. AL Brooks has a way with words and weaving a story together that captivates its audience, is a special talent. This is a must read. All you need to know is in the book summary. Once you start reading, you will not put down.
This was such a unique storyline. A story that as it unfolded had me so absorbed I couldn’t put it down. AL Brooks has a way with words and weaving a story together that captivates its audience, is a special talent. This is a must read. All you need to know is in the book summary. Once you start reading, you will not put down.
March 16, 2025
My first read by this author and I enjoyed the read. Liked a music connection for the MCs that was other than a rock group or country star.
March 30, 2025
Super cute and adorable, with a lovely comeuppance plot
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 A heartfelt and engaging romance, Counterpoint follows Rachel, a quiet community center worker, and Lisa, a jazz-loving security guard, as they navigate love, family, and buried secrets. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Rachel’s complicated home life forces them to take things slow. With tender storytelling and emotional depth, this book delivers an exploration of love, acceptance, and self-discovery. Grab your copy immediately!
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews