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Unexpected Harmony
After a disastrous live-streamed proposal, singer Aspen Lake limps to her beachfront Malibu cottage to take a much needed time-out and reevaluate her life. Unfortunately, even the calming ocean isn't enough to bring back the music that once played in her mind.
Zoey Estrada comes from a musically gifted family, but it's always something she's had to work hard at. When she is forced to leave college and come home, she struggles with where the next chapter in her life should take her. Luckily her mom provides some direction when she drags her to work in her landscaping business.
An unexpected encounter leads to something neither woman is ready for. As Aspen and Zoey get closer, they must try and figure out what comes next. Can they continue to grow together, or are they destined to be an unfinished song?
Zoey Estrada comes from a musically gifted family, but it's always something she's had to work hard at. When she is forced to leave college and come home, she struggles with where the next chapter in her life should take her. Luckily her mom provides some direction when she drags her to work in her landscaping business.
An unexpected encounter leads to something neither woman is ready for. As Aspen and Zoey get closer, they must try and figure out what comes next. Can they continue to grow together, or are they destined to be an unfinished song?
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Published June 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 20, 2025
**'You have skillfully drafted a storyline in your head but then your execution ends up mediocre. Keep on trying, maybe one day it might come off much better..'
2.5 stars!
The first 2 maybe 3 chapters were okay but then downhill from there... sometimes writing this instant romance thingie is not for everyone.
2.5 stars!
The first 2 maybe 3 chapters were okay but then downhill from there... sometimes writing this instant romance thingie is not for everyone.
January 21, 2026
I liked this book. Even though both characters are in a bit of turmoil at the beginning, it is a gentle story about trust and appreciating love wherever you can find it.
Aspen Lake, a Taylor Swift level superstar, gets humiliated by her girlfriend during a live feed on soc media. She goes into hiding at her cottage in Malibu to heal and reset her life. There, she meets Zoey Estrada, a music student on a mental health care break from college. Their easy friendship morphs into a sweet romance. What I like best about the story is how well Zoey and Aspen see each other. Each has her own struggles but they find a way to take care of one other through communication, their mutual love of music, and tenderness. The writing is smooth and the narrator, Allie Shaw, captures the energy of the two main characters.
4.25 stars.
Aspen Lake, a Taylor Swift level superstar, gets humiliated by her girlfriend during a live feed on soc media. She goes into hiding at her cottage in Malibu to heal and reset her life. There, she meets Zoey Estrada, a music student on a mental health care break from college. Their easy friendship morphs into a sweet romance. What I like best about the story is how well Zoey and Aspen see each other. Each has her own struggles but they find a way to take care of one other through communication, their mutual love of music, and tenderness. The writing is smooth and the narrator, Allie Shaw, captures the energy of the two main characters.
4.25 stars.
October 29, 2025
Loved this book: as promised a ‘light & fluffy’ read. Really brought into the characters and so refreshing to have communication up front so no stupid misunderstandings. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2025
Initially I didn’t think this book was for me. I chose it because I really enjoy narrator Allie Shae’s work so thought I would try it. I almost stopped listening early on because I found some things about it completely implausible. But I stuck with it and am glad I did.
Zoey Estrada is a character not often seen in sapphic fiction. A gifted musician, she struggles with mental health issues. I appreciated that it was treated seriously and with care. I also loved the very healthy, open communication between Zoey and love interest pop star Aspen Lake.
The secondary characters were also strong, though Aspen’s manager Morgan was predictable. Still - the family dynamics were handled beautifully and Morley obviously knows or is part of a Hispanic family/families. She understands the culture.
The romance was sweet and well developed. While some of what occurs in this story feels far fetched, I absolutely believed them together.
Shae indeed did a great job on this one and I enjoyed the listening experience!
Zoey Estrada is a character not often seen in sapphic fiction. A gifted musician, she struggles with mental health issues. I appreciated that it was treated seriously and with care. I also loved the very healthy, open communication between Zoey and love interest pop star Aspen Lake.
The secondary characters were also strong, though Aspen’s manager Morgan was predictable. Still - the family dynamics were handled beautifully and Morley obviously knows or is part of a Hispanic family/families. She understands the culture.
The romance was sweet and well developed. While some of what occurs in this story feels far fetched, I absolutely believed them together.
Shae indeed did a great job on this one and I enjoyed the listening experience!
April 21, 2025
Enjoyable but nothing special.
The pacing really bothered me, so much time passed way too quickly.
I absolutely hated Morgan from page 1, but since we're not supposed to like her that was a good thing.
The characters were fine, not my favorites and pretty fotgetabe.
In theory this could have been a great book for me, but I just struggled with the execution of it.
I enjoyed previous books by the author, eben rated one 5 stars, but I felt like her writing got worse. Since I don't remember being this bothered by the pacing or way it was written in the two other books.
The pacing really bothered me, so much time passed way too quickly.
I absolutely hated Morgan from page 1, but since we're not supposed to like her that was a good thing.
The characters were fine, not my favorites and pretty fotgetabe.
In theory this could have been a great book for me, but I just struggled with the execution of it.
I enjoyed previous books by the author, eben rated one 5 stars, but I felt like her writing got worse. Since I don't remember being this bothered by the pacing or way it was written in the two other books.
December 10, 2024
Loved the characters! Aspen and Zoey are real, believable, and are both working at life, adulting, and issues.
December 7, 2024
Worth the read
This was such an enjoyable read. I liked everything about this book. The main and supporting characters as well as the dialogue was so well written. The relationship between Zoey and Aspen developed organically and seemed very believable. The drama between the MCs was resolved with mature communication. The author handled mental health issues and the drawbacks of fame with sensitivity and caring. This book is definitely worth the read.
This was such an enjoyable read. I liked everything about this book. The main and supporting characters as well as the dialogue was so well written. The relationship between Zoey and Aspen developed organically and seemed very believable. The drama between the MCs was resolved with mature communication. The author handled mental health issues and the drawbacks of fame with sensitivity and caring. This book is definitely worth the read.
Read
March 16, 2025no rating. could not finish this book. it was so bad I couldn’t even get through it.
November 29, 2024
Remarkable characters and sensitivity!
I love music stories and this one is fabulous. Aspen is a pop singer who leaves NY to hide out at her Malibu home when her proposal to her partner becomes a disaster. Zoey, who comes from a prominent musical family, leaves college and a stint in a rehab facility where she was recovering from a mental breakdown. The women meet in a very unusual way due to Zoey's brother with autism, who appears to be a musical savant.
This is the first book I've read from author Violet Morley and I'm excited to read many more. The writing is just superb. The relationship between Aspen and Zoey progresses in a very authentic, loving and sensitive manner. The negative influences are truly outweighed by the positive family dynamics and the loving comfort offered to each other. This story touched me greatly and I highly recommend it!
I love music stories and this one is fabulous. Aspen is a pop singer who leaves NY to hide out at her Malibu home when her proposal to her partner becomes a disaster. Zoey, who comes from a prominent musical family, leaves college and a stint in a rehab facility where she was recovering from a mental breakdown. The women meet in a very unusual way due to Zoey's brother with autism, who appears to be a musical savant.
This is the first book I've read from author Violet Morley and I'm excited to read many more. The writing is just superb. The relationship between Aspen and Zoey progresses in a very authentic, loving and sensitive manner. The negative influences are truly outweighed by the positive family dynamics and the loving comfort offered to each other. This story touched me greatly and I highly recommend it!
August 8, 2026
4.25 ⭐
I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I expected, and one of the main reasons for that was the way it handled its themes, especially the topic of fame and celebrity culture through one of the protagonists. I really appreciated the way certain situations and dynamics were approached, because many of them are usually handled in a much more predictable way in romance books, while here they often took a different direction that felt more refreshing and interesting.
Another aspect I appreciated was the structure of the story itself. Whether intentional or not, the narrative didn’t follow the exact same rhythm and progression that most books tend to rely on, and I found that really enjoyable. It helped the story feel less formulaic and kept me more engaged throughout.
That said, there were definitely a few moments that didn’t fully work for me from a plot perspective. Some situations felt like they existed mainly to push the story forward rather than because they naturally made sense within the narrative itself. There were also a few late reveals or pieces of information that felt introduced very suddenly, without enough setup or foreshadowing earlier in the book, which made certain developments feel a little forced. Because of that, I honestly think this book could have benefited from a bit more editing and refinement in some areas. If those elements had felt more cohesive and fully developed, this easily could have been a five-star read for me.
Overall, though, I still had a great time with it and found it genuinely enjoyable, especially because of its themes, character dynamics, and willingness to approach certain tropes differently from what I expected.
I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I expected, and one of the main reasons for that was the way it handled its themes, especially the topic of fame and celebrity culture through one of the protagonists. I really appreciated the way certain situations and dynamics were approached, because many of them are usually handled in a much more predictable way in romance books, while here they often took a different direction that felt more refreshing and interesting.
Another aspect I appreciated was the structure of the story itself. Whether intentional or not, the narrative didn’t follow the exact same rhythm and progression that most books tend to rely on, and I found that really enjoyable. It helped the story feel less formulaic and kept me more engaged throughout.
That said, there were definitely a few moments that didn’t fully work for me from a plot perspective. Some situations felt like they existed mainly to push the story forward rather than because they naturally made sense within the narrative itself. There were also a few late reveals or pieces of information that felt introduced very suddenly, without enough setup or foreshadowing earlier in the book, which made certain developments feel a little forced. Because of that, I honestly think this book could have benefited from a bit more editing and refinement in some areas. If those elements had felt more cohesive and fully developed, this easily could have been a five-star read for me.
Overall, though, I still had a great time with it and found it genuinely enjoyable, especially because of its themes, character dynamics, and willingness to approach certain tropes differently from what I expected.
December 23, 2024
This is the very first book by Violet Morley that I picked up, and I was not disappointed.
Unexpected Harmony is a low angst, low stakes romance between a mega famous singer and a struggling composer.
To no one's surprise, my favourite thing about this book was how incredible the communication was between the main characters. It's frankly refreshing to sit down with a cosy story and realise that I didn't roll my eyes once at silly miscommunication.
The struggles Aspen and Zoey have to go through felt real, and their relationship blossomed organically, leaving no trace of doubt about what they felt from one another. They navigated their conflicts like two adults would, not without bumps in the way but with a healthy and steady line of dialogue.
The mental health aspect of the story was dealt with sensibly, including the portrayal of an ASD child. You could tell a lot of thought, care, and research went into it.
Unexpected Harmony was a lovely one sit read, and I'll be sure to check out Morley's other titles.
Unexpected Harmony is a low angst, low stakes romance between a mega famous singer and a struggling composer.
To no one's surprise, my favourite thing about this book was how incredible the communication was between the main characters. It's frankly refreshing to sit down with a cosy story and realise that I didn't roll my eyes once at silly miscommunication.
The struggles Aspen and Zoey have to go through felt real, and their relationship blossomed organically, leaving no trace of doubt about what they felt from one another. They navigated their conflicts like two adults would, not without bumps in the way but with a healthy and steady line of dialogue.
The mental health aspect of the story was dealt with sensibly, including the portrayal of an ASD child. You could tell a lot of thought, care, and research went into it.
Unexpected Harmony was a lovely one sit read, and I'll be sure to check out Morley's other titles.
February 8, 2025
4.5 stars!!!! What an amazing, sensitive and well written book about mental health, overcoming obstacles and finding love when you least expect it.
Aspen, basically forced to propose to her girlfriend of 2 years by her manager (who’s in fact a very toxic human being), only to catch her in some uncomfortable situation. Fleeing to Malibu so that she can have some peace and quiet (since she’s a famous singer), meets Zoey, in her own house. Zoey, home from an unfortunate stay at the psychiatric facility after a psychotic break during her last semester of college, loses her brother who is nonverbal, while on a walk on the beach. Only to find him in Aspens house playing the piano.
All else fails when Aspen and Zoey meet and the rest is history.
This book is worth the read and highly recommended for anyone who needs a book with low angst, no third act break up and communication between both of the characters!
Aspen, basically forced to propose to her girlfriend of 2 years by her manager (who’s in fact a very toxic human being), only to catch her in some uncomfortable situation. Fleeing to Malibu so that she can have some peace and quiet (since she’s a famous singer), meets Zoey, in her own house. Zoey, home from an unfortunate stay at the psychiatric facility after a psychotic break during her last semester of college, loses her brother who is nonverbal, while on a walk on the beach. Only to find him in Aspens house playing the piano.
All else fails when Aspen and Zoey meet and the rest is history.
This book is worth the read and highly recommended for anyone who needs a book with low angst, no third act break up and communication between both of the characters!
March 16, 2025
unique and engaging
What I love about Violet Morley’s body of work is that each book is unique and the characters feel real and authentic. She has a talent for going beyond tropes to sweep you along on a journey with the characters, as they pick themselves up and find their inner balance.
The feel of the stories as they unfold, and the characters as they grow and evolve all feel organic and relatable even if their lives are far removed from how we live and what we know in our every day.
My favorite part of this book are the characters and the subtle ways they grow, strengthen, and blossom. Violet Morley again shines in the little ways you get glimpses into the evolution of the characters, like when Aspen realizes she’s become part of a family again in the midst of a mundane family breakfast.
I also really like the cameo appearances of characters from other books. In this case it was a very brief cameo by Parker and Melanie Cooper.
What I love about Violet Morley’s body of work is that each book is unique and the characters feel real and authentic. She has a talent for going beyond tropes to sweep you along on a journey with the characters, as they pick themselves up and find their inner balance.
The feel of the stories as they unfold, and the characters as they grow and evolve all feel organic and relatable even if their lives are far removed from how we live and what we know in our every day.
My favorite part of this book are the characters and the subtle ways they grow, strengthen, and blossom. Violet Morley again shines in the little ways you get glimpses into the evolution of the characters, like when Aspen realizes she’s become part of a family again in the midst of a mundane family breakfast.
I also really like the cameo appearances of characters from other books. In this case it was a very brief cameo by Parker and Melanie Cooper.
June 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this.
It tells the story of Zoey and Aspen. Zoey has just returned home from college for a break. She's studying composing and comes from a musical family. Her autistic brother Theo is musical and the piano is part of his routine.
Aspen is already a famous musician - and Theo literally walks into her house and starts to play her piano - providing an introduction for Aspen and Zoey.
Both of them have had a hard time lately and they recover together as they slowly begin to develop a friendship.
This story highlights the importance of staying true to yourself, and making sure you keep hold of your phone and knowing how it works!
It tells the story of Zoey and Aspen. Zoey has just returned home from college for a break. She's studying composing and comes from a musical family. Her autistic brother Theo is musical and the piano is part of his routine.
Aspen is already a famous musician - and Theo literally walks into her house and starts to play her piano - providing an introduction for Aspen and Zoey.
Both of them have had a hard time lately and they recover together as they slowly begin to develop a friendship.
This story highlights the importance of staying true to yourself, and making sure you keep hold of your phone and knowing how it works!
December 26, 2024
A Very Good Love Story
A famous singer who leaves her fast paced life in NYC behind after a horrible public breakup goes viral. She retreats to a beach cottage in California. When she hires a landscape company she begins to get to know the lovely woman who is working on her yard. Thus begins a friendship and more based on their love of music. This is a very well written story of two women who are dealing with complex issues.
A famous singer who leaves her fast paced life in NYC behind after a horrible public breakup goes viral. She retreats to a beach cottage in California. When she hires a landscape company she begins to get to know the lovely woman who is working on her yard. Thus begins a friendship and more based on their love of music. This is a very well written story of two women who are dealing with complex issues.
January 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book - the characters were likable and I love a romance that incorporates the celebrity/normal person trope.
I wished that the relationship between the characters was a little more fleshed out. Although there is some relationship development, I didn’t quite feel the connection between the MCs. I also wished that the spicy scenes were more consistently detailed, they got more specific toward the end of the book. Some might appreciate the fade-to-black but it wasn’t used consistently, so I can’t say it was PG-13 either.
Overall a really fun, quick sapphic read!
I wished that the relationship between the characters was a little more fleshed out. Although there is some relationship development, I didn’t quite feel the connection between the MCs. I also wished that the spicy scenes were more consistently detailed, they got more specific toward the end of the book. Some might appreciate the fade-to-black but it wasn’t used consistently, so I can’t say it was PG-13 either.
Overall a really fun, quick sapphic read!
May 25, 2025
I thought this book was very cute and had a unique concept. It seemed very fast-paced, and I wish I had more time to explore who the characters were individually and seen more of their “small moments,” rather than having them overshadowed by the larger plot. Overall, this was a precious read that I enjoyed.
June 18, 2025
a nice light read. violet weaves a fantastic story while highlighting some difficult subjects when starting a relationship. I wish the story could have a part two but the author also put a nice bow on the package delivered. timing/ pace was nice, I took my time reading this because I just didn't want it to end, the characters make such a great couple.
January 27, 2026
My mom got me this for Christmas in a blind date with a book thing. It had like 2 or 3 little spicy scenes, but nothing too bad. I definitely guessed that Morgan was in love with Aspen from the beginning of the book. And after the failed proposal it seemed fairly obvious that Morgan had planned it and hoped to get Aspen to love her. It was a cute book tho and I definitely enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
highly recommended
A true love story where everyone is not perfect, but yet it works. Totally enjoyed reading. Wish more people were as accepting as the people in this book seem to be
A true love story where everyone is not perfect, but yet it works. Totally enjoyed reading. Wish more people were as accepting as the people in this book seem to be
February 14, 2025
Loved it!
This is my first book by this author, and certainly won't be the last! This book was such a nice, relaxing, easy read. Prefect amount of spice. I also loved the family dynamic. Just lovely all around!
This is my first book by this author, and certainly won't be the last! This book was such a nice, relaxing, easy read. Prefect amount of spice. I also loved the family dynamic. Just lovely all around!
May 16, 2025
This was a pleasant surprise of a good read. Sometimes I find “celebrity” romance reads to be vapid, that is not this book. The characters not only work well together, they have a nice depth to them. The story reads well and the writing held immersion steady throughout.
May 26, 2025
Another success from Violet Morley. Great book with tons of redemption and fulfillment. Well paced, not super spicy but spicy enough, and a fresh enough take on the known/ unknown musical artist collaboration trope
June 19, 2025
I loved the characters in this book, both Aspen and Zoey were brilliant leads in the story. The love story was gushy and perfect, I couldn’t have stopped reading if I wanted to. I was honestly a little sad when I finished the book!
August 14, 2025
It took 1000 yrs of my life to finish this book. And I only finished it cuz i don’t like to dnf that much💀.
I think the characters were made out of cardboard i swear. The way the dialogues went, basically made them like talking robots lol.
I think the characters were made out of cardboard i swear. The way the dialogues went, basically made them like talking robots lol.
September 4, 2025
I was catfished by these reviews. How in the world does this have multiple stars? I get that this is a low-stakes, light-hearted romance, but does it have to read like middle school fan fiction? DNF at 44%
November 8, 2025
loved
It takes courage to seek help and strength to be able to trust. Communication is the greatest foundation for love. Sometimes we just need to believe our worth to find the road to happily ever after.
It takes courage to seek help and strength to be able to trust. Communication is the greatest foundation for love. Sometimes we just need to believe our worth to find the road to happily ever after.
December 8, 2025
The author forgot a lot of things to clarify.... Many important details that should have been there were missing and few scenes were unnecessarily stretched.....
I was expecting a clearity on zoey's depression and Aspen's parents death.
I was expecting a clearity on zoey's depression and Aspen's parents death.
January 19, 2026
I think that what I liked the most about this book was seeing adult characters acting like adults and not just hiding, guessing, and running away from what they were feeling at the sight of the first trouble.
Honestly, that was refreshing!
Honestly, that was refreshing!
February 18, 2026
I LOVED this book. It was a random find at our local bookstore with a “local author” sticker on it. So so good. A unique storyline, I love FF romances, and as a fangirl myself I love a popstar romance. Loved the emotional depth. Looking forward to adding more reads by this author to my TBR! 🎧
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews