Encore

Blue Notes #5

by Shira Anthony

A Blue Notes novel

Cool kid violinist Roger Nelson doesn't give a damn about anything. Wannabe conductor John Fuchs is awkward, effeminate, and just figuring out he's gay. Despite their differences, they become friends - then lovers - and after college, they try to make it work. But it's the 1970s, and Roger can't bring himself to admit he's gay. Worse, after his brother is killed in Vietnam, Roger tries to live up to his memory and be the perfect son. Then after suffering one tragedy too many, he makes the biggest mistake of his Roger pushes John away.

Through the years, they dance around the truth and in and out of each other's lives, never quite able to let go. Twenty years later, Roger still carries the pain of losing his dream of a brilliant career with him, while John is a superstar conductor with a wild reputation. John's off-stage antics get him plenty of attention, good and bad, though deep down, he wants only Roger. Finally determined to hold on to what really matters, Roger asks John for another chance, and when John panics and runs, Roger has to convince him to listen to his heart.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Music, Romance, Musicians, Coming Of Age

Audible Audio

First published November 10, 2013

About the author

Shira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.

In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.

Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.

Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...

You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Review completed March 4, 2014



"Shostakovich wrote the symphony when things were pretty rough for him… The dissonances are all about that. Suffering."

Shostakovich -- Symphony No. 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTqsU7...

Let's not beat around the bush. I suffered through Encore because frustration paved the way through the entire plot. I'm fine dealing with problems (emphasis on dealing), not running away and leaving people frustrated and angry. Urgh. I've enjoyed Shira Anthony's books in the past and I've had pretty high hopes that I would like Encore as well. My rating does by no means reflect the quality of the author's writing. In fact, the writing was good as expected but my low rating reflects my feelings and of those, I assure you, I've had enough. Unfortunately, they belong to the annoys-the-heck-outta-me category.

Let me arrange a nice bouquet of flowers irritating issues:

LACK OF COMMUNICATION. LACK OF COMMUNICATION. LACK OF COMMUNICATION. It feels like a mantra and one that gets old fast. I caught myself soliloquizing numerous times while reading Encore. Yeah, Baba, encore une fois parce que ce n'est jamais assez. It was like an effin' and unwanted encore all the time. BTW, the let's-be-honest-with-each-other conversation took place at 89 %. Not even the well internalized phrase Better late than never could really placate my agitated state of mind. Granted, I did like the final 15 % and yet the book was beyond saving for me. That ship had sailed, so to speak. Besides, Encore is not your common romance book because the main protagonists spend a huge majority of the plot apart from each other and that didn't sit all too well with me either.



I'm fine. It's not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. Blah, blah blah. Just…please, talk already and come clean for $*+!?!!£^!!?=&% sake!

Did I say they did not talk about things that bothered them?

I can imagine it must have been tough being queer in the 70s, and I do understand that Roger was afraid of being openly gay but he couldn't even admit it when he was alone with John. Also, even as a grown man when he didn't depend on his parents' financial support anymore, Roger did not have enough backbone to come out to his parents. It's all Miranda here and Miranda there (Roger's mom). He was under her thumb and it was not reasonable. Yeah, let's keep mommy happy, shall we. Although when Roger turned forty and divorced Dorothy he (finally) told his mother that he was gay. Sorry but that was too late.

Roger was responsible for the accident. He was drunk for Pete's sake and instead of assuming responsibility and acknowledging that he was guilty, he wallowed in misery and self-pity. He felt sorry for himself FOR YEARS because he couldn't pursue his dream anymore of playing the violin at a professional level.

He'd religiously exercised his fingers the way he'd been taught. He'd worked through the pain. Hoping. Praying. And still his vibrato had been wide and cumbersome, like the painful wobble of an aging soprano. The intensity of his musical desire came out as a pathetic warble, like a raspy voice trying to sing a glorious melody. But the beautiful voice--the sound the way he heard it in his mind--was still inside him. He longed to let that voice soar even as he knew it would never leave the confines of his thoughts.

And then there was this situation in New York. Roger and John were lovers for four years and during the time in New York Roger had a hard time supporting John and his dreams. Due to Roger's weak psyche he couldn't stand to see John conduct anymore, so he simply left New York without having an honest conversation first. He only wrote I'm so sorry. And then a year or so later he asked Dorothy to marry him and…drum roll…John acted as his best man. Wow. Unbelievable. This must be love. No, scratch that, they're best friends, after all and John wanted Roger to be happy. Uh-huh. Let's get real here. John was mad for a year, understandably so, and yet he was so willing to stand by Roger's side. That's the stuff that dreams are made of. Not. Thinking back about all those "special" moments makes my anger flare up again. Well, and when Roger FINALLY got his act together, it was John who ran for the hills at 80 %. Oh my, Baba calm down and take a deep breath.



Both of them were very jealous...


It's quite telling that my favorite scene of Encore was when Roger offered his violin to Alex Bishop, hero of Prelude. In fact, both main characters of Prelude make a cameo in Encore. I've read three books by Shira Anthony and Prelude is still my favorite.

Schubert -- Fantasy in F minor D.940 (part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAx_I...

Well, Mr. Schubert, are you going to sit there watching me play half the piece, or are you going to join me?"
"I thought you said my piano playing was deficient," Roger said as he sat to John's left on the bench.
"You could convince me otherwise." John's eyes sparkled in obvious challenge.

I love a good coming-of-age story and the premise of Encore did sound promising. It is very unfortunate, however, that certain plot twists and the MCs didn't really do it for me. Regardless, I hope you'll enjoy it more than I did.



"God. I've missed you so damn much." Like a fucking hole in my heart. My life.

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I kinda have a like / dislike relationship with this book.

There is something special and impactful when you read about a relationship that spans decades. I’ve had a few experiences with this and found it almost impossible to not WISH for the couple to get together, stay together, last together. After all, doesn’t the HEA that we all love (most of us, at least) mean FOREVER?

So I was engaged in the love that existed between John and Roger. I was rooting for them in everything throughout the years. And I wanted so badly for them to last.

The book started as a sweet, sweet friendship-to-first-love story. The devotion the boys had for one another was endearing and despite their obstacles, I loved them.

Here is where I had my first hit that made me turn on this book: Roger gets into an accident while DRUNK DRIVING. This made me IRATE. But what really pissed me off was other than him not being able to play music anymore, he didn’t face ANY CONSEQUENCES for this. And there was very little GUILT…only self-pity. I realize books don’t HAVE to act as our moral compass, and so often don’t. But this, for me, was a deal breaker.

My second hit that made me turn on the book was: When Roger just left John without so much as a conversation. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? After 4 years together? This actually happens when you care about someone? And then he goes off and, in a year’s time, falls in love with a woman and marries her? And we’re supposed to believe that John just is that BIG of a person to be his best man? When they hadn’t really TALKED?

This whole part of the book made me ANGRY. (I’m getting fired up right now!)

Ok, so, the thing is, just because I have problems with where the author took the story, I can’t deny that the writing was good and the book entertaining. My beefs with the story were personal and out of my own frustration. It was more that I disagreed with their actions and WHAT the author wrote. I actually had no problem with HOW she wrote it (if that makes sense).

So, in a nutshell, I liked it…kinda. The characters have stayed with me and I was invested in their story. I was just slightly pissed off throughout.



This is book 5 in a series but my first. So yes, it totally works as a standalone. And, quite frankly, I think I WILL be reading some of the others in the series!

[LiveYourLife BuyTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

°•○★5 Stars ~ KAPOW!★○•°
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review

After reading this story, I was on my feet shouting “Bravo!” Encore is a stunning portrayal of the human condition. It is the poignant and at times heartbreaking love story of Roger and John, told over an epic 35 year chronology. Two people who found each other early in life, but who needed to explore, discover, disclose and embrace themselves as individuals before they were truly able to be together.

Guy’s didn’t tell each other “I love you” did they?

Sigh. This line from John’s teenage thoughts goes a long way towards explaining why it takes him and Roger so many years to end up on the same page…

A passion for music draws Roger Nelson and John Fuchs into a fast friendship at their Ohio high school. John is a shy, oft stuttering, highly talented music student who has transferred in from a private school. His parents are divorcing, and he doesn’t see himself as cool or fitting in very well. He is rather floored when the popular and easy going Roger takes him under his wing. John wants to be a symphony conductor, Roger is a violinist. The pair became inseparable, practicing music and hanging out together. I adore the scenes where Roger is playing violin with John accompanying him on piano – their connection with and via the music is so divine. There comes a day when the war in Vietnam hits home. Roger’s brother, Marc, is killed in action. Roger’s parents are devastated and he is stricken hard by the loss, but his friendship with John helps him through. One night while at a house party, John and Roger find themselves in a secluded room, with the help of plenty of booze and weed on board, they have sex. I have to say…I sort of expected at this point John would get a big load of denial, backtracking and alienation from Roger. You see, John, although certainly not open about this in the early 70s, had pretty much acknowledged to himself that he was gay. Roger on the other hand, was definitely attracted to girls, with no hint of it being a ruse of any sort, and would certainly never describe himself as gay. Instead, the guys were both happy about his new intimacy, and continued on seeing each other. In fact, they attended U of M in Ann Arbor as roomies, where they could continue their music studies together, as well as their relationship – sex included. If only John didn’t feel as though Roger at times considered him an embarrassment to have around…

Despite some of these niggling doubts of John’s which were fueled by Roger’s newfound friendship with one of he girls at school, the two made big plans to attend Julliard in NYC…Until another tragic occurrence causes a mind numbing end to Roger’s musical aspirations, and puts a huge distance between he and John. Roger attempts to determine where his relationship with John fits in this the new direction his life must take. Miranda, Roger’s bitch of a mother (oh, did I say that?) is only too happy to have “that boy” away from Roger (and Roger away from the violin his Grandfather had bought for him at age 9) so that she can have him under her thumb now. Yep, she is one of those controlling, manipulative, “not my son” type of mothers. Oh Miranda was difficult to stomach! Sure I know it was the 70s, but still, to me the decade doesn’t matter - a parent should be supportive and loving. Unfortunately, Miranda’s opinions are a constant weight on Roger’s back, and ultimately influence his decisions.

After completing studies to be an accountant, Roger does make it to NYC to be with John, where he is enjoying a budding musical career at Julliard. In NYC Roger witnesses men being openly gay in certain circles, he sees John has become more comfortable with it and in fact appears more at ease in his own skin, more effeminate even. Roger is happy for John, even jealous that he has gay friends. However, although Roger had been comfortable with John when they had been cocooned together in their college days, he is not ready to acknowledge his sexuality or indeed his relationship with John in any type of open manner. He is also finding it extremely painful to be on the sidelines when it comes to John’s success at Julliard, and having to talk to fellow musician friends of John’s. Roger is still freshly dealing with the pain of Julliard and a career as a musician having been his dream for many years too, one which will now never come to pass. John does his best to be supportive and doesn’t push Roger for more than he is comfortable with. I do wonder what would have happened if he had… Ultimately Roger is figuratively, and literally, unable to face the music and leaves John with a simple yet profound…

“I’m so sorry”

A lot of necessary page time is given in the early part of book to setting up the beginning of the relationship dynamic between Roger and John. Knowing where their heads were as teens in the early 70’s, how they were influenced and motivated by their families, world events, and society in general -as well as by their inner emotions and desires - is crucial to understanding the actions and decisions they make throughout their lives. We get into the heads of both Roger and John, although more than half of the focus of the story definitely falls on Roger. At one point John is remembering seeing the Stonewall riots on TV and his Dad, much to John’s amazement, says to him: “fucking fluters. They should have shot them all”. Six months later, John kissed a boy, and liked it. Hmm, not long after that is when John’s parents divorced and his Dad virtually disappeared from his life. John’s Mom remained ever supportive of him though, even when he came out to her in the late 70s. Roger’s mother, well yes I already stated how lovely she is, didn’t I?

So … did I mention this story covers 35 years? It is told in linear fashion (I know many readers aren’t crazy about flashbacks!). Sit back and prepare to be patient with these guys, prepare to be angry with them. Prepare to love, laugh, celebrate and cry with them as they journey through achingly genuine, true to life scenarios. Prepare to relive (or discover) the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including some of the worst atrocities those decades had to offer. The fallout from the Vietnam war, the horrible devastation of AIDs, the humility of DADT. I personally cried, shouted and had to put down my e-reader for a bit as the depth of emotions became overwhelming. You will witness the evolution and maturity in these two men, yet see how their basic characteristics do not waver – they need these life experiences to grow and mature. Nothing about the character’s portrayals are forced or contrived.

I really appreciated that while the guys struggled with their true feelings, they never completely cut each other out of their lives. There was nobody saying “it’s not me, it’s you”, or “I’m not good enough for you.” Neither was cruel or belittling to the other. In fact, John on many occasions was amazingly supportive of Roger after he had walked away from him in NYC. Again and again I had to reconcile how understanding John was towards Roger, with the dates during which this story was taking place, and also with John’s intrinsic personality. On a deep level, they recognized their need for each other. No matter how much time passed, they could talk to or see one another and have it feel necessary and right. Those who have read the previous releases in the Blue Notes series will be pleased with the appearances of Alex Bishop, Cary Redding and David Somers as they irrevocably intertwine themselves into the lives of Roger and John.

“Funny how reality sneaks up on you”

It was fascinating to watch the two men maintain this solid friendship even as they moved through their separate lives. They were even supportive of each other when they found new love interests. It was so sad back in their early years together, when John was ready to embrace a life with Roger, to watch Roger realize he was simply not capable of making that leap. After many years and life experiences, when Roger does find himself aching to have it all with John, it is John who balks. He values his friendship with Roger, he lost him once. He has lost other loved ones and had spent several years now playing the field rather than get his heart involved again. Roger finally has this exchange with John:

“I’ve spent my entire life trying to be something I’m not. And when Marc died, I got this stupid idea in my head that I had to be a substitute for my parents. Someone to take his place. Being gay wasn’t part of that. And you” – He shook his head. “ – you were everything I’d wanted to be. Successful. Talented. Focused. Okay with who he was. I wanted to be with you, but every time I was, it was like I could see all the things I’d fucked up and lost.”

“Music?”

“Yeah.”

…God knows John had never stopped loving Roger, but dare John take the risk of having everything and more with him again? Indeed it is music that has come full circle to be the glue which helps bind their lives together again. Read the book and experience for yourself how these two beautiful guys compose and conduct their encore. ♥

I recommend this book most highly. My love of music made this story especially touching to me. Knowing that the author put a lot of personal experience into this story makes it even richer. As with all of the Blue Notes novels, the music in this story serves as a perfect conduit for conveying the emotions experienced by the characters as they navigate their lives. ♪ ♪

*Encore can most definitely be read as a standalone, as can all of the stories in the Blue Notes world. Do yourself a favor though, and read them all! I want to also give huge props to Catt Ford for the gorgeous cover art !

[Shira Anthony]

Of all the Blue Notes Series books so far, this one "got" to me the most. It made me cry (I never cry!). Maybe it's that I lived through the 1970s and 1980s and I saw what men like Roger and John went through. Maybe it's that I SO wanted their lives to be easier and happier. Yes, they finally get that happiness, but not before they've had to deal with so much heartache.

It was difficult remembering what things used to be like and working through what the characters would have done back then. SO much has changed for gay men, even if there's still a long way to go in fighting for gay rights. Roger is a product of the society he grew up in, and of the pain and stigma attached to being homosexual in the 1970s. His choices are often difficult for us to understand unless we put him into that time period. I knew men like Roger who struggled with their sexuality. Those men laid the foundation for the marriages and long-term relationships in today's society.

Being gay in 2013 still isn't "easy" by any stretch of the imagination, but in the 1970s and 1980s it was so much worse. One of my friends described John and Roger as modern day star-crossed lovers. They are. You know they're meant for each other, but life and society always seem to get in the way. Do they get their own personal "encore?" You bet. But it's a long and difficult road.

Especially fun for me in writing in this book was revisiting several of the other Blue Notes characters, including a very young Alex Bishop and Cary Redding. There's a scene in Prelude where Roger Nelson gives a teenaged Alex a new violin. You'll revisit that scene again in this book, but from a different perspective. That scene is a turning point for Roger and John, even more than it was a turning point in Alex's life. And then there's David Somers and the real story behind how he ended up at the Chicago Symphony.

As with all the Blue Notes books, the novel is a standalone, and books in the series can be read in any order. Secondary characters in one book get their stories (and HEAs) in other books. Here's the chronological order for the series so far:

1) Encore
2) Prelude
3) Blue Notes
4) Aria
5) The Melody Thief

What's next for Blue Notes? A holiday novella coming out in December 2013, "Symphony in Blue (Blue Notes 4.5)," which is a direct sequel to the first 4 books. The next novel in the series will be "Dissonance," due out in 2014. It's Cameron's story (from "Aria").

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 stars. A very well written book which was powerfully emotional at times. I must admit that Roger was difficult to like as a character; I could understand his conflicting feelings, yet I refuse to accept how hurtfully he handled the situation and long-time relationship with John when they were younger. I assume Roger matured somewhat over the years, although he hardly offered any reparations or regrets for his rather selfish attitude. John's personal and professional journey was the highlight for me in this story; in the end, it was a shame he could not find lasting happiness with someone else, but I was glad to see a quite satisfying happy ending.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the two main characters, John and Roger...even though they're perfectly imperfect and perfectly exasperating a lot of the time. The reader has to remember that it is the 1970’s and being gay or admitting you even might be gay would have been like growing a third arm or another head...it just simply wasn’t done. Burning the American Flag or eating your neighbor’s pet would have been more acceptable. The tale begins with Roger and John as teenagers and brings them through the years of their lives and some very important periods. To say that they are two very different personalities would be like saying that oil and water might be able to mix. Roger is outgoing and popular...while John is quiet and intense. Both have an over whelming love for music and that brings them together. Roger is brilliant with the violin and John is determined to be a conductor. Time passes, errors, omissions and then changes. They finally come to the reality that when you truly love someone no matter what, you are going to be fighting for them. My two friends that supply me with the tons of books said they really related to this one as they grew up in the 1950’s with much the same attitudes and opinions but unlike John and Roger...they had the support of their families. I sol wanted for these two characters to find happiness. After all, love is not a matter of gender ... It’s a matter of the heart.

[Feliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of violinist Roger Nelson and aspiring conductor John Fuchs, two men who meet over their shared passion for music and fall in love with each other when they’re both in their teens. A perfect match, as different as they appear on the outside, theirs is a powerful connection of bodies, hearts and souls. But it’s the seventies, for one, where it’s hard for two men to live openly as lovers. And then, they’re both young and still quite immature in many ways and amenable to outward influnce as well as subject to their respective internal insecurities. Intrusive family members, tragedies and mere mundane everyday life – and music, of all things – work together to drive them apart until eventually, their loving relationship appears broken beyond fixing.

But even though they aren’t together as lovers any longer, their friendship persists, even as both find new love interests. Over the course of the following three and a half decades, they part ways and reunite several times, never entirely losing contact. They circle around each other in a seemingly endless dance, slowly drawing closer and closer until, eventually, they stand united against all odds as the music swells to a thriumphant finale.

Like in all of the Blue Notes series, Music plays a major role in this book. Despite the long period of time it spans, which would suggest a whole symphony, this book reminded me of a tango with all the to-ing and fro-ing between Roger and John. It was deeply moving to see their friendship, their love weathering some depressingly genuine real-life storms during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Almost a third of the book is dedicated to the budding relatioship they share during their teens, so much so that I almost felt as if reading a YA novel. Both character’s mindsets, backstories, family environments are thoroughly explored, which had the actual story somewhat dragging at times. Nevertheless, it was necessary to explain many of both John’s and Roger’s choices and actions later in life. Because as much as they grow and mature over the course of the story, they remain essentially true to themselves. I found the characterizations especially well done here and became really invested in both main characters.

On the other hand, the in-depth addressing of John’s and Roger’s life experiences meant that some matters were merely touched upon, which in some cases, I regretted. Especially when it comes to Nate, who was very important to John and whom I liked very much. Then again, with such a big picture to paint, it’s understandable that some figures, hovever lovely, need to remain on the sidelines.

Overall, this was a quiet story, sometimes kind of slow and meandering, sometimes fast-paced and dramatic. I can only warmly recommend this engrossing, pleasant addition to the Blue Notes series.

review oiginally written for www.prismbookalliance.com

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where are more than 5 stars when you need them? Former opera singer Shira Anthony has outdone herself in this fifth Blue Notes novel.

This time the story arches to the ends of love--from young love to middle age romance, from living the expectations of family to becoming your own person.

ENCORE takes readers through the first thirty-some years of two musicians' lives, starting when they were young in school together until they were established in their careers. As each decade comes and goes, so Ms Anthony references the larger world of gays including AIDS and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and other notable, often horrific milestones.

The story revolves around gifted violin player Roger Nelson and equally amazing pianist John Fuchs, whose career passion is conducting. Roger is brash, confident and conflicted while John is quiet, dedicated and musically inspired. When they get together in high school, theirs is a closeted affair with Roger afraid his homophobic parents will discover his love for John.

Roger becomes even more fearful when his brother is killed in the Vietnam War, making Roger the only child, and more importantly, the only boy in the family. When he and John attend the University of Michigan and room together, Roger's mother is more than suspicious about their friendship.

Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a rambling book, about two men who met as teenagers, fell in love and yet faced a host of obstacles to really being together. The story moves through episodes in their lives, as they come together and are pushed apart by needs, fears, accidents and family pressures. There are times when both men act in less than admirable ways, but Roger in particular tends to solve problems by taking the easy route out, and running away or ducking out on facing difficult situations.

John is the guy whose course in life is more straightforward. Although it's not easy to be gay in the seventies and eighties, he also has no illusions about maybe being straight or bi. His ambitions in music are fixed and unchallenged. His family is less engaged with his day to day life, but more supportive. And although he struggles at times with the demands of his studies and career, and worries about not being good enough, he nonetheless has a simple perspective on his goals and desires.

Roger is more popular and accomplished on the surface. Yet like many such people, he is also more dependent on that popularity. Inside, he's a bit of a mess, a guy who cannot look straight on at what he wants from life, because he is overly sensitive to the opinions of others. Part of this is no doubt due to the death of his older brother, and an ongoing feeling that he has to be the son his parents need and deserve in his brother's place. Part is also that he doesn't have the centered self that John does - he is much more aware of and worried about how he looks to the homophobic society of the era. And so he can say "I love you" to a man, but not say, "I'm gay." The conflicts between expectations of family and society and the realities of his relationship with John in the early days lead to him trying to satisfy everyone, and ending by failing in every direction. Part of his bond with John is the music they share, and when a traumatic event makes their musical paths diverge, he loses his way entirely.

At times, the story moves too fast through substantive times for us to really sympathize with or understand what the characters are feeling. Like Nate, who is vitally important to John, and yet appears and then disappears from the story dramatically but almost emotionlessly. But some skimming and summarizing is inevitable in one book covering this span of time. It does contribute to my feeling irritated with these guys in turn, when I wanted to have more sympathy.

I also didn't see quite the emotional reactions I expected from them, toward each other and toward their own mistakes and experiences. When John was at Roger's wedding, I expected an intensity of anger and hurt and regret that didn't quite appear. Nonetheless I enjoyed this tale of two self-star-crossed lovers. John and Roger spent decades orbiting each other, near and far, only to finally come back to the realization that the love they shared really was the best thing in their lives.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A passion for music draws Roger Nelson and John Fuchs into a fast friendship at their Ohio high school. John is a shy, oft stuttering, highly talented music student who has transferred in from a private school. His parents are divorcing, and he doesn’t see himself as cool or fitting in very well. He is rather floored when the popular and easy going Roger takes him under his wing. John wants to be a symphony conductor, Roger is a violinist. The pair became inseparable, practicing music and hanging out together. I adore the scenes where Roger is playing violin with John accompanying him on piano – their connection with and via the music is so divine.....

Sit back and prepare to be patient with these guys, prepare to be angry with them. Prepare to love, laugh, celebrate and cry with them as they journey through achingly genuine, true to life scenarios. Prepare to relive (or discover) the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, including some of the worst atrocities those decades had to offer. The fallout from the Vietnam war, the horrible devastation of AIDs, the humility of DADT. I personally cried, shouted and had to put down my e-reader for a bit as the depth of emotions became overwhelming. You will witness the evolution and maturity in these two men, yet see how their basic characteristics do not waver – they need these life experiences to grow and mature........

Please read my full review here: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Just the type of story I like to read: the plot reflects that life is not always a fairytale, the characters are not always perfect and the ending is not always sparkly rainbows.

The journey of Roger and John's love is rife with ups and downs throughout many years. They meet when they are 17 and become lovers on the night of graduating high school. They enjoy a loving semester together in college when an accident tears them apart. For the next 7 years they find a way to be together but the relationship is not perfect. Roger has a lot of baggage in terms of his relationship with his mother. This and the consequences from that accident impact his self-image in a way that takes him years to reconcile.

For the next 20 years John and Roger maintain mostly a friendship. While other things are happening to their lives they try to be there for each other. During this time they also grow up and basically Roger finally pulls his head out of his ass (lol).

I am not going to lie, the ending is bittersweet and it made me tear. As usual with this type of stories it makes me happy that they finally get to be happy together but also sad that they lost so much time to finally get there.

[Deeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book in the Blue Notes series and I can see why they have such a positive feedback.

After meeting John and Roger in prelude as adults, it was really interesting to see them young and just starting out in both career and love.

John I loved dearly, there was just something about him that pulled me in.

Roger was great at first, I understood him and his ways, with a mother like Miranda I'm just surprised he turned out as good as he did. But I must admit I found myself loosing a little affection for Roger as time went on. In my fantasy world I believe in the one true love aspect, so to have Roger fall in love with Dorothy did not sit well with me.

But that said, I did believe that John really was his soul mate, and while it took Roger longer than I liked, he did eventually come good lol.

What I loved most about the two books I've read so far is the way they tell a full story. It's not rushed but its not dragged out either. Everything is told for a reason and Roger and Johns story was one of not just love but heart break and struggle and the whole mixed bag that life throws at us.

I needed my tissues on more than one occasion, but despite the tears, this really is a wonderfully HEA romance.

[Dani Elle Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely to go back and read john and rogers story
but what a way they had to go and what a struggle still they proof that love indeed concures all
time, life and what ever more

beautiful edition to this amazing series !

[Sophie [at] Book Suburbia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit down an entire day just to figure out how to write this review because with no doubt, this is one of the hardest yet most beautiful reads I’ve encountered in my entire life.

This review of Encore, is dedicated to the memory of a dear friend of mine who passed away 3 years ago after battling a long war against AIDS. While reading this book, I pictured in John the few people who like me, loved and really cared for my friend who died not only because of this dreadful enemy, but also cause of society, who despite the fact of television, internet and educational literature about HIV/AIDS, still discriminated and abandoned him when he needed them most. It was hard enough for me to learn he was ill, so you can just imagine my pain when I found out he was rejected by those who one day claimed to be his friends. Although we lived in a third world country where society still needs to open their eyes to reality and facts of life, just like gay love is, it still saddens me to this day how much he had to suffer, and how people who claimed to love him did not even want to touch him when they found out he was HIV positive. I miss him every day, and I know he would’ve loved to read this story as much as I did.

This book touched a nerve in me I thought I had hidden in the bottom pit of my soul. Not only it’s supremely written and follows a timeline of 35 years impeccably, but Mrs. Anthony built these characters with such accuracy you will really believe she had witnessed the whole thing.

That’s how good this book is.

John Fuchs and Roger Nelson’s story takes us back to the early 1970′s, when John is transferred to a public school after his parent’s divorce. There, he meets Roger, the bad boy-pot smoker-chick magnet. Roger plays the violin for the school orchestra and John has the goal of becoming a great musical director one day. Throughout their senior year in High School, they build a friendship that soon enough turned into a passionate teenage love.

Scratch that: it turned into a GAY teenage love. In the 1970′s. Michigan 1970′s.

I wanted to picture how Roger and John looked, so in my seek of knowledge and reference, I had to dig thru my DVD gallery to play the movie ‘Milk’. (I’ve cried so many times with that movie it’s not even funny) and by watching it a few more times very carefully, I got a slight idea how both main characters possibly looked like. And just as in that biographical movie, the way how Mrs. Anthony portrays the behavior and demeanor of two young adults in 1970’s is actually more than realistic. It’s beyond flawless.

John quickly copes with his reality soon enough when Prom night arrives and although Roger goes thru the same discovery, it takes more than his teenage determination to open up about his true feelings to his family and society in general. They end up going to college together and for a brief period of time, they enjoy their love even under the watchful eye of Roger’s mother, who after losing her older son in the Vietnam war, becomes obsessed in making Roger a substitute for his brother; and Roger, (from where I see it) is seeking unconsciously his mother approval. He fears her mother’s reaction to the point he must hide his love and pretend John doesn’t mean anything to him. After a very unfortunate event where Roger loses all hope of ever playing his violin professionally again, life changes drastically for both him and John.

That’s just the beginning of Roger’s almost 20 year trial.

When Roger copes with the idea of never being able to play professionally he finally makes his choice about what to do with his life. John, still loving him with all his heart, then makes the courageous decision of moving on with his own.

We see both characters separated physically but still together thru letters, phone calls and a friendship that against all odds, survived ups and downs; and although they know they love each other, it is John himself who after being the awkward part in the equation, feels the need to start living and finds in his old high school buddy Nate, the peace he so much needs.

For those babies of the 80′s like me, it may come to you as just another history data, the huge breakout of AIDS back at the time. Many people were in total darkness and the disease was so poorly handled that so many lives were lost.

Including John Fuchs’s partner.

The heartbreaking scene of John calling Roger to let him know Nate had AIDS will probably haunt me for the rest of my life. I cried sad and silently not only because of how wonderfully described this whole part was, but I cried for my friend, who maybe tried calling somebody in the middle of the night to share his tragedy but couldn’t find somebody trustworthy enough to do so. I cried, because I would’ve given anything I owe to just be able to hold his hand one last time before he left and tell him how much he meant to me, how much I loved him and how little I cared he was positive that I would’ve hugged him for at least an hour every day, just the same way John pleaded to see Nate for the last time.

John goes thru the scariest time of his life when Nate passes away, but instead of running back to Roger, he decides to stand firm and follow his path. Many years go by and Roger, who eventually realizes he must seek his mental freedom, finally after all those years decides to come out to his mother, only after an extremely painful internal battle that is won thanks to the love he still had for John that never really died.

This book is a revelation. It’s also a journey, a story of two men who started as boys and learned about life growing up in a society still full of prejudices and finger pointing.

I learned a great lesson reading this book (besides the fact that Mrs. Anthony is one of the most gifted writers/artists EVER): love comes in any shape, form, race, gender, and belief. All of us have the opportunity to walk along with it when we find it, but only a true love will survive ups, downs and decades like the one John and Roger had for each other.

To say that this is just another book among many is totally wrong. This book is EPIC.

Thank you Shira Anthony because this is one of the greatest gifts I’ve received this year 2013.

[Lena Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We had the right love at the wrong time. Those dreams of yours are...calling you away. I have no right to make you stay. But somewhere down the road...I know that heart of yours will come to see that you belong with me.” ~ Barry Manilow

John Fuchs and Roger Nelson of 'Encore' by Shira Anthony are soul mates. They find each other as teenagers, long before they know who they are or who they are capable of being. Their music, John's conducting and Roger's violin playing, is an important part of what holds their demons at bay; but when Roger loses his ability to make music, even listening to it threatens to tear him apart. John loves music and continues to make great strides in what promises to be a brilliant career. Knowing John would do anything for him, Roger holds it all inside until he decides that John would be better off without him.

John has always known what he wanted to accomplish; he wants to be a famous conductor some day and works long and hard to make this a reality. Music is part of his soul; but it's not his first love. That is, and will always be Roger: his heart and soul, his touchstone. John depends, defers to, confides in, and needs him with an almost overpowering intensity. After Roger's accident, John knows that it will be rough, but he thinks that their love is strong enough to weather the storms that have plagued them since they first decided to be together. He doesn't count on the depth of Roger's pain when it comes to losing music, not being able to admit he's gay, his family's negative influence. John knows something is wrong, but since Roger won't tell him, he's taken completely by surprise when he leaves, but is too hurt and angry to go after him. Even though separated, the pain does not diminish his love for Roger. John eventually concludes that if he can't have Roger as his lover, he's determined to keep him as his best friend, not letting anything, even a chance of reconciliation to get in their way.

Roger is a conflicted young man. Carefree as a youth, he's everything John isn't—popular, seemingly secure, and social. Yet there's something about John that draws Roger to him, causing him to feel things about a man he's never felt before. Their music gives them the opportunity to be together without questions being raised, but Roger is still uncertain and a bit paranoid about their relationship. He wants to be with John, but can't admit that he's gay, which causes a great deal of conflict between them. After his accident, he's even more lost. While he's recovering, he resolves to be with John and takes a job nearby., Even though he loves John and wants to be with him, Roger is going into the relationship wounded, not understanding what he's feeling. Sometimes love isn't enough. Instead of feeling better with John, Roger feels worse, but can't articulate these feelings, especially not to John. When it all comes crashing down on him, he does the only thing he feels he can do and leaves, hoping John won't hate him. He retreats to the life his parents want for him, leaving John, getting married, and leaving music behind forever. As a result, Roger is miserable. He's lost John and his music; he still can't admit he's gay but is married, all creating a sorrow which lasts for years. He's made a lot of bad choices while trying to do what was best for everyone but himself. He knows his life has to change. He has to admit his mistakes and correct them as best he can; but even with all this done, if he wants John back, to have a second chance, he's going to have to make a monumental effort to prove to John that he's a different person.

For fans of the series, 'Encore' is a book you will definitely want to read. Not only is it wonderfully written, but it ties up the loose ends of the series with precision and grace. For those of you who are new to the series, I strongly recommend that you read all of the other books in the series first before you attempt this one since each book builds on the last. For a book which has love, music, angst, forgiveness, and redemption, I can't recommend it enough. Thanks, Shira, for giving Roger and John their happily ever after and for introducing us to all of the other amazing men in the series as well.

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Qué le pasó a esta mujer para que le saliese este libro bien, viendo lo malos que son todos los otros de la serie, porque definitivamente este es el mejor desarrollado,.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why haven’t I read more books by Shira Anthony? Who is responsible for letting me get away with only ever reading one other book by her? You will be found and subjected to the proper punishment. This book was GREAT. I was a touch concerned because the only other Shira book I had read was the first in this series, but this one totally stood alone.

We meet Roger Nelson and John Fuchs in this story. It was a wonderful, angst, scary, fun, frustrating journey with them that spanned over thirty years. They meet when Roger was the cool kid in the orchestra in high school. I didn’t know such a thing existed, but Shira Anthony wrote him that way and made it believable. He played the violin. In moved John from a private school his parents could no longer afford because they had gotten divorced.

John dreams of becoming an orchestra conductor. He is just coming to terms with the fact that he is gay. He hopes Roger is gay, but he says he isn’t. The two become close friends and eventually lovers. They go away to college together. Roger’s family hates John. Whether it is because they know he and their son are lovers is unknown. When Roger’s brother is killed in Vietnam, Roger tries to be the perfect son that his brother always was. His mother has a master’s degree in manipulation and she has perfected it on Roger. Instead of holding tightly to his lover, Roger pushes John away.

What follows is an odyssey that brings Roger and John together like magnets and then apart again. Their lives continually orbit each other. They seem destined to be together, but something or someone is always in the way. Over a period of twenty years, Roger and John dance around their love for each other. One thing never changes. As much as they are in love, they are best friends. That’s how they started out and neither man is willing to sacrifice that friendship to time, distance or circumstances. It is heartbreaking to see them have to settle for only that friendship.

While John has been able to attain his dream of being a successful conductor, he has gone the way of the slut. A different man every night, no last names, no repeats. He is as famous for his sex life as he is for his work. Roger lost his dream of playing the violin in a professional orchestra many years ago and has always struggled with the acceptance of that loss.

Circumstances finally find both men free of relationships. Roger is determined to take advantage of this opportunity and he tells John he still loves him and asks for another chance. John is so afraid of getting his heart broken again that he runs away. Roger realizes that he will have to do some convincing if he wants to really have John back in his life the way he wants him.

Shira Anthony writes beautifully of the agony of dreams lost as well as she does about the sweetness of dreams attained. I felt like I knew Roger and John. They were so realistically written. Many of the themes in Encore weren’t new ones. Shira Anthony made them feel new, though. Even though, as an avid LGBT romance reader, I knew what was coming in a lot of cases, there was enough of a spin on it for it to feel new. The characters were so unique that every thing they did, every word they spoke, seemed like the first time I had read a book with the same basic outline. Dynamically recommended.

[Morgan Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve met Roger and John as an established couple in the earlier books in this series. This is their (sometimes very painful) backstory.

Roger and John met in high school. They were friends first, then lovers. They went on to college together where they roomed and got even more involved. But Roger couldn’t handle being “gay” (especially in the 70s) so he pushed John away and went on to marry a woman.

John, meanwhile, did some self-destructive living in the 70s and 80s.

They cross paths over the years, but its not until much later in life that Roger finally decides he’s able to admit once and for all that John is the true love of his life.

**

This can be read as a stand-alone, but the entire series is really amazing, so I recommend reading it in order.

Shira Anthony is truly a gifted writer and this is a HARD book to read/listen to. There are so many issues covered – parental expectations, self acceptance, the Vietnam war, AIDS, losing a dream, finding out who you are, exploration, illness… so many things. She does all of this using music as a method of expression and it’s really beautiful.

I read that Shira identifies with Roger as she’s changed professions from Opera singer to writer and Roger had to give up his musical career as well – it shows. The pain you feel for Roger (and John) is deep and very real.

John and Roger love each other so much but it almost seems impossible for them to be with the other and for much of their lives they aren’t. To me, that’s what makes this book so damn difficult. I hate seeing MCs separated for such a long time and though Shira makes the reunion very sweet and powerful, it was hard while they were away from the other.

Audio

Andrew McFerrin has done one other blue notes book and he’s really excellent. He does the accents, he’s able to even differentiate the young vs older MCs and his pacing is really good. I really enjoyed his interpretation of these characters and if you can stand it (again – this is a painful journey) I recommend the audiobook version as a way to experience this series.

[Tali Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. The series to which it belongs...Blue Notes...is one of my favorites and I love how the stories of the men in these music-centered books have evolved. First love, one love. Yes, most have those themes we all cherish so well. This book is a story of enduring love, changing love, forever love. It's about second chances.

John and Roger meet in high school in the very early 1970s. The era plays a very small part in that part of their story and the focus is on being teenage and gay (and also not wanting anyone to know/think you're gay) at a time when society was changing, but that part of it wasn't. I found Roger's ambivalence believable particularly given his family situation. John is his soulmate, the lodestone of his life... but he can't help himself, he really can't, as he battles his demons. The book captures this aspect of youth so well it hurts to watch it happening on the page. John knows who he is and what he wants, but he's young and doesn't know how to deal with the emotions and life choices that tear him and Roger apart.

I love how the story follows this love story into today, not just as a story about the wonders of falling love and thinking (knowing!) it's forever, because that's what's supposed to happen... but also to what actually does happen, so often and so sadly. It's a brave book that way. But it's true. People get torn apart. They handle things badly. They screw up, and then they screw up again. They even screw up when they know that's what they're doing and they know they shouldn't. John and Roger's story follows them through breakups, choices, lovers, parents, illness and loss. Life. When they get a second chance, they do so through scars. Second chances are as fraught with questions as they are with love. In romance, love wins. I like romances, and I recommend this book for readers who enjoy young imperfect love, characters growing up, painful coming to terms with who they are, a glimpse into the 70s, older lovers, seeing favorite characters in a series (Blue Notes) making cameo appearances, and tangled HEAs.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story I wanted to like, but honestly not a lot of this worked for me. This story spanned decades and told the story of cool kid violinist Roger and wannabe conductor and socially awkward John. My biggest obstacle for me was the lack of an emotional connection to Roger and John. And the fact that as a couple they were apart for most of this book. I didn’t like a lot of the things Roger does, he goes through most of his life not being able to admit he’s gay and not being able to stand up and be honest with this overbearing mother. IMO he always treats John like the “dirty little secret” he is trying to keep from everyone. And when he finally decides he can't do it, he runs like a coward. There is no way for me to explain the exasperation I felt at times without giving parts of the story away. Between Roger’s behavior and John’s seemingly easy acceptance of everything it just prevented me from forming any kind of attachment to these two. Instead of witnessing Roger or John’s heartbreak over life events we are told about them, at least that is how I saw it. This would have worked better for me had I got to witness more of those reactions. And although these two do get their HEA, I honestly thought John deserved better than Roger.

In the end, I will say I am still in love with Shira Anthony as a writer, I will read more of this series and her other books.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This book follows Roger Nelson and John Fuchs from high school to mid-life. That, alone, appeals to me: following a couple through decades of their life together. Through the ups and downs, through thick and thin, through the ... you get the drift.

Here, I laughed, I cried, I threw my Kindle, and I swore (a lot). Most prevalent for me was frustration. I was extremely frustrated with Roger. And then I was extremely frustrated with John for putting up with Roger's - I'm sorry, I'm just going to say it - bull shit! I realize it probably makes me smaller minded and I would love to say that I would be as magnanimous as John and supportive of his BFF ... but that would be BULL SHIT. I wouldn't. I couldn't. I wouldn't be best nothing at his wedding.

I liked that John was apprehensive and hesitant ... panicky, even ... about getting back together with Roger. I also liked that Roger was understanding about it. Then, we got hit with the horrible news about Roger's condition. Ugh! Can no one catch a break here!?!?

All in all, I was irked and I had a hard time getting past the hurt that Roger caused. My bad, but it is what it is.

Bottom line: I love this series but this one was not my fave.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I will start of this review by saying I thought parts of this book were amazing and beautiful, while some parts of this book I have to be honest and say I really was not a huge fan of....

Roger and John meet at school. They start of as friends which slowly turns to more over time..

Now I thought this two men were honestly so beautiful together. They way they cared for each other and how you could really feel how much they love each other.
Which brings me to the part I was really not a huge fan of.. Which I cant really go into without spoiling this book. So it makes it hard for me to explain, all I can really say is I was not a fan of what Roger did and how it felt like he was throwing it into John's face. At least to me personally that was what it felt like.
Let's just say I went from loving this book to why!!! No why did he do that and ugh!! Lol
It did take me awhile to start liking Rogers character after that and I will leave it at that..

So I will leave this review with... I loved parts of this story and these characters this author created even though I was not a fan of Roger for awhile there. All together I really liked this book!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encore (Blue Notes #5) by Shira Anthony
4 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads

Hmmm, where to start. This was both good and horrible... I had a very strong love/hate relationship with these main characters. I loved how this book led us through their lives. But, I REALLY REALLY hated the mixed signals.

Roger and John are sweet, confused, clueless, in love, lost and all the different emotions that young boys go through.

There were so many different emotions that I felt while reading this book. While I am younger than when this book began, I could appreciate the different decades - the nuances of the story, the events that these characters went through.

There was a feeling of meanness that Roger gave off - and, while I can understand his pain, he handled it terribly. Then you have John, who just tries to get on with his life - but through it all, they remain friends, which is something that I can truly appreciate.

Overall, I really enjoy this series and Anthony's ability to draw the reader in. So, while I have a love hate relationship with this story, I think many would appreciate it.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this story, I didn't think I'd like it. It was going to be "old history" and also I knew that the guys had had an on again/off again relationship based on what I'd read in previous books. But it turns out I was wrong-- I really enjoyed it immensely.

I became engaged in their early relationship but I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. What happened was stupid but having lived during that era (I'm aging myself here), I also know it could easily have happened. I really wanted to hate Roger but I really felt his pain. And John? John was a sweetheart, even though he became quite the gigolo through the years. The introduction of Nate and what happened there was somewhat expected, but emotionally painful none-the-less.

The second half of the story flew by as I devoured the pages waiting for these two to get their HEA. The journey there was eventful, emotional and endearing. Great story and wonderful series. Highly recommend!

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why haven’t I read more books by Shira Anthony? Who is responsible for letting me get away with only ever reading one other book by her? You will be found and subjected to the proper punishment. This book was GREAT. I was a touch concerned because the only other Shira book I had read was the first in this series, but this one totally stood alone.


See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...

[Frank Claudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a bittersweet book. It is just like life, but fortunately it has a HEA. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it away. All these plans we make that get changed by life itself and wrong choices and others that mean well but do wrong. What a nice life Roger and John could have had if life itself hadn't come in their way. This was one of the books I might read more then once.

[Geboyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encore

Another wonderful addition to the Blue Notes series which is one of my favorite series out there.
I was always curious about Roger and John and their whole backstory. This book was tender,heartbreaking at times and had some laughs too.
Looking forward to the next book already.

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see my complete review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

Favorite quote: “Mozart will never become pedestrian. Genius survives all the esoteric crap”

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - this book was the BEST in the series. Seems like it could have been book#1 though. There is a lot of heartache but in the end, it's all worth it!!!!

[Kim Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. I loved the timeline notes. A wonderful m/m romance covering many decades interwoven with music. I'll be reading more from this author.