What do you think?
Rate this book
Crescendo
Two months in London might remake them. Or it might break them all over again.
Lydia Howard Fox, legend in the world of film scoring, is at her lowest. With an artist’s block having just pulled her out of what might be her biggest job yet, she’s got nowhere to go but up—and away, across the ocean, far from her LA home, back to basics at Crescendo, an orchestral composition school in the heart of London.
Ella Hendrickson might have known music once, but since the loss of her brother, all she’s known is her radiology work at her London hospital. But when she finds herself in music again at Crescendo, she’s in way over her head, with expectations higher than she could ever reach.
Until Lydia Howard Fox herself moves in with Ella for the two months of the program, and Lydia sees potential in her. And if there's one thing Lydia knows, it's how to get her way.
But rivalries and alliances in the shadow of London’s greatest stage aren’t the only things heating up, and musical potential isn’t the only thing Lydia sees in Ella. With their worlds split on either side of the ocean, can they resist the magnetic pull towards one another, or will Ella be Lydia’s countermelody in a song they know they shouldn’t play?
Two months can last a lifetime. But maybe it’s still never enough.
Lydia Howard Fox, legend in the world of film scoring, is at her lowest. With an artist’s block having just pulled her out of what might be her biggest job yet, she’s got nowhere to go but up—and away, across the ocean, far from her LA home, back to basics at Crescendo, an orchestral composition school in the heart of London.
Ella Hendrickson might have known music once, but since the loss of her brother, all she’s known is her radiology work at her London hospital. But when she finds herself in music again at Crescendo, she’s in way over her head, with expectations higher than she could ever reach.
Until Lydia Howard Fox herself moves in with Ella for the two months of the program, and Lydia sees potential in her. And if there's one thing Lydia knows, it's how to get her way.
But rivalries and alliances in the shadow of London’s greatest stage aren’t the only things heating up, and musical potential isn’t the only thing Lydia sees in Ella. With their worlds split on either side of the ocean, can they resist the magnetic pull towards one another, or will Ella be Lydia’s countermelody in a song they know they shouldn’t play?
Two months can last a lifetime. But maybe it’s still never enough.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2025
53 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 12, 2025
"Come on Baby, Light My Fire."
Crescendo is literally a book about the collaboration between two women in writing a music score written by two women collaborating to write the book.
This is pure Lily Seabrooke genius. And welcoming author Jacqueline Ramsden as her writing partner.
The overarching theme of collaboration continues throughout the book. Major movie score writer, Lydia Howard Fox, is in a terrible slump, and a friend recommends she attend a music program overseas called Crescendo as an instructor. Lydia, being the contrarian she is, signs up for the program as a student.
Ella Hendrickson is a doctor who is holding on to a terrible heartache. Her family and boss have been trying to make her take some time off. Ella gets the brochure for the Crescendo program and agrees to attend for a very personal reason.
Like the first time you hear the clapping together of cymbals, the attendees of Crescendo hear only dissonance and noise. Personal relationships and personality clashes make for a shaky start to the program.
Crescendo is a story about the magical ways that love can heal through relationships. Love relationships, friendships, and business partnerships are also susceptible to the amazing healing power of love.
I am not a musician. However, I think the way the characters use music to express their feelings, to grieve the people they've lost, and to communicate with each other is powerful. This sets them up to be able to compose musical scores that speak of entire stories.
I'm deliberately not telling you about the book's content because you need to experience it for yourself. Just as someone excitedly telling you about a new Broadway play is nice, actually seeing it for yourself is phenomenal. Reading Crescendo is so much better than any review could ever tell you. Go find out for yourself. Happy reading.
Crescendo is literally a book about the collaboration between two women in writing a music score written by two women collaborating to write the book.
This is pure Lily Seabrooke genius. And welcoming author Jacqueline Ramsden as her writing partner.
The overarching theme of collaboration continues throughout the book. Major movie score writer, Lydia Howard Fox, is in a terrible slump, and a friend recommends she attend a music program overseas called Crescendo as an instructor. Lydia, being the contrarian she is, signs up for the program as a student.
Ella Hendrickson is a doctor who is holding on to a terrible heartache. Her family and boss have been trying to make her take some time off. Ella gets the brochure for the Crescendo program and agrees to attend for a very personal reason.
Like the first time you hear the clapping together of cymbals, the attendees of Crescendo hear only dissonance and noise. Personal relationships and personality clashes make for a shaky start to the program.
Crescendo is a story about the magical ways that love can heal through relationships. Love relationships, friendships, and business partnerships are also susceptible to the amazing healing power of love.
I am not a musician. However, I think the way the characters use music to express their feelings, to grieve the people they've lost, and to communicate with each other is powerful. This sets them up to be able to compose musical scores that speak of entire stories.
I'm deliberately not telling you about the book's content because you need to experience it for yourself. Just as someone excitedly telling you about a new Broadway play is nice, actually seeing it for yourself is phenomenal. Reading Crescendo is so much better than any review could ever tell you. Go find out for yourself. Happy reading.
July 9, 2025
Crescendo is a contemporary sapphic romance centered on the world of musical composition. It features humorous interactions, tender scenes, steamy encounters, deep and meaningful conversations, struggles, grief, and moments of inspiration. Jacqueline Ramsden and Lily Seabrooke expertly weave the complexities of human experience into the characters’ creation of musical compositions that not only parallel but often intersect with the gamut of emotions with which the protagonists contend.
I have limited knowledge of the technical aspects of musical composition, but their inclusion adds another layer of realism and insight. The story is not bogged down by the details.
The characters are beautifully developed. Their journeys feel genuine and authentic. The central pairing is lovely, but the supporting characters are also very significant. Their stories add depth to the plot. Lydia and Ella definitely make a sweet and spicy couple with witty and flirtatious banter and genuine care.
The novel unfolds in a sensuous and layered manner with ups and downs, pain, and joy before culminating in an inspiring conclusion that deserves a standing ovation.
My emotions were all over the place during this read and, like Ella, I was ready to feel them. There was heartache, healing, and hope.
“Because of how much we communicate with music. And how vulnerable it feels to show it.”
This novel was overflowing with emotion but also technically well done. I was blown away. I have not read any other books by either of these two authors, so I didn't know what to expect. This collaboration is both artistically stunning and emotionally impactful. I'm looking forward to reading their individual works and more of their joint ventures.
#epilogue #HEA #LosAngeles #London #UK #doctor #forcedproximity #filmscorecomposition #musicalcomposition #orchestraconductor #musicalinstruments #musicians
I received a free ARC from the authors through Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.
I have limited knowledge of the technical aspects of musical composition, but their inclusion adds another layer of realism and insight. The story is not bogged down by the details.
The characters are beautifully developed. Their journeys feel genuine and authentic. The central pairing is lovely, but the supporting characters are also very significant. Their stories add depth to the plot. Lydia and Ella definitely make a sweet and spicy couple with witty and flirtatious banter and genuine care.
The novel unfolds in a sensuous and layered manner with ups and downs, pain, and joy before culminating in an inspiring conclusion that deserves a standing ovation.
My emotions were all over the place during this read and, like Ella, I was ready to feel them. There was heartache, healing, and hope.
“Because of how much we communicate with music. And how vulnerable it feels to show it.”
This novel was overflowing with emotion but also technically well done. I was blown away. I have not read any other books by either of these two authors, so I didn't know what to expect. This collaboration is both artistically stunning and emotionally impactful. I'm looking forward to reading their individual works and more of their joint ventures.
#epilogue #HEA #LosAngeles #London #UK #doctor #forcedproximity #filmscorecomposition #musicalcomposition #orchestraconductor #musicalinstruments #musicians
I received a free ARC from the authors through Booksprout. This is my honest opinion.
July 8, 2025
While I am genuinely a fan of Lily Seabrooke, I’ve felt a little hesitant about Jacqueline Ramsden, perhaps unfairly (as I thought about writing this review, I realized most of my displeasure was based on one character–Morgan in Dear Ripley–who I allowed to cloud my judgment a bit But both of their previous collaborations I read were very good. Crescendo surpasses both of them and most of either author’s other works.
Chemistry can be a funny thing, and those who you expect to have chemistry, and those you don’t necessarily think will work do. I expected to be dragged into reluctance acceptance of the relationship between Lydia Howard Fox (“no reason to use all the name”) and Ella, but the connection is almost instantaneous, I really like Ella, but truly the standout in this book is Lydia. She is just such a real, flawed, quickwitted, wonderful character. Something else I like about this book is that there are certain tropes and characters that you expect in this type of book (and the authors make us think they’re going the way we expect), and it’s not the way it ends up. This is a wonderful book that seems like it’s going to ber a drag at over 400 pages, but it just flies back. It makes me continue my love for Lily Seabrooke books and makes me want to look past Dear Ripley (also, I realize I’ve read and liked more Jacqueline Ramsden books than I originally though).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chemistry can be a funny thing, and those who you expect to have chemistry, and those you don’t necessarily think will work do. I expected to be dragged into reluctance acceptance of the relationship between Lydia Howard Fox (“no reason to use all the name”) and Ella, but the connection is almost instantaneous, I really like Ella, but truly the standout in this book is Lydia. She is just such a real, flawed, quickwitted, wonderful character. Something else I like about this book is that there are certain tropes and characters that you expect in this type of book (and the authors make us think they’re going the way we expect), and it’s not the way it ends up. This is a wonderful book that seems like it’s going to ber a drag at over 400 pages, but it just flies back. It makes me continue my love for Lily Seabrooke books and makes me want to look past Dear Ripley (also, I realize I’ve read and liked more Jacqueline Ramsden books than I originally though).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2025
As with most Lily Seabrooke books, I really enjoyed this one. The characters were fun, and Lydia's hyperfixation as a composer was well done and worked well with her character and the story. The conflict that they had to overcome was also very believable and kept the story from slipping into the classic "miscommunication leading to act 3 problem".
I would say that there may have been too many characters who had their own arc, though they all did dovetail nicely with the main characters. Sometimes it felt like a stretch for all of the side plots to be happening simultaneously, but it wasn't enough to ever pull me out of the narrative.
Overall, a wonderful book, full of sassy banter and heartwarming moments. Looking forward to more from these two!
I would say that there may have been too many characters who had their own arc, though they all did dovetail nicely with the main characters. Sometimes it felt like a stretch for all of the side plots to be happening simultaneously, but it wasn't enough to ever pull me out of the narrative.
Overall, a wonderful book, full of sassy banter and heartwarming moments. Looking forward to more from these two!
July 11, 2025
Wow. What a book!
I first read these authors as a collaboration book and went on to read many stories by each individually. They are both amazing in their own right and when they collaborate, I am always left stunned with the depth and emotion not only in the story but also that fills me.
Lydia and Ella are significant and glorious. The sensitivity and healing with and for each other is heartbreaking and fulfilling and beautiful. Their chemistry is palpable, in music and love.
The side characters are fun and crazy and perfect! I loved the mini arc with Hannah and Eliza. The best friends of both Ella and Lydia are a hoot!
If you are looking for a beautiful read filled with emotion, depth, music, humor, some angst, grief and healing, well paced, spice that flows with the story and characters that grip your heart, then this is a must read! Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I first read these authors as a collaboration book and went on to read many stories by each individually. They are both amazing in their own right and when they collaborate, I am always left stunned with the depth and emotion not only in the story but also that fills me.
Lydia and Ella are significant and glorious. The sensitivity and healing with and for each other is heartbreaking and fulfilling and beautiful. Their chemistry is palpable, in music and love.
The side characters are fun and crazy and perfect! I loved the mini arc with Hannah and Eliza. The best friends of both Ella and Lydia are a hoot!
If you are looking for a beautiful read filled with emotion, depth, music, humor, some angst, grief and healing, well paced, spice that flows with the story and characters that grip your heart, then this is a must read! Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
i absolutely loved this, it was very heavy on the music composing so i was hella confused at some points and considered maybe not continuing but i am so glad i did because this was AMAZING! the found family in this and them asking each other what this moment would sound like, and the banter and lydia’s unending confidence. i kinda loved how they constantly said her full name as if she were royalty 😂 genuinely obsessed with lydia’s character. and getting to follow ella through her journey was so surreal and she’s such a sweetheart and her dads are the best people i love them so much. the only thing that started to get frustrating was ella having absolutely not a shred of confidence in herself and would never take the compliment and kept putting herself down. i loved how much lydia brought out in her and how she overcame it. and GUYS THE ENDING? her coming to compose ella’s piece was beautiful and oh how i wish i could’ve heart it in real life. AND THE DOUBLE WEDDINGS!!? and living in 2 places in 2 halves of the year!? i couldn’t imagine a more perfect life together😭 please read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Thank you to the authors for providing free ARC of the novel in advance.
I've read several Jacqueline Ramsden romances but this was my first Lily Seabrooke romance. Being used to the slow burn of Ramsden novels, I was *shocked* how *spicy* Crescendo is. There are both on and off page scenes. And they are really well written scenes. The energy and chemistry between Lydia and Ella is palpable -- with sad undertones.
Although it's a celebrity romance, there's almost no hero worship between the main couple. (The hero worship is done by side characters!) There's no coming out nor realizing truths in one's sexuality. Both main characters are grown women. The romance in Crescendo could have been a love story. They know their time together is limited -- or so they think until the very end. The only struggle in the relationship is the fact they live on different continents which is refreshing. I really enjoy queer awakening romances, some of my favorite romances have that trope, but sometimes it's good to read straight forward sapphic romance.
I enjoy romance novels and novels in general that take place in the UK. The British vocabulary and culture in Crescendo was fun to read. There are some fun scenes where Lydia, the Yank, gets used to the rainy gray London. There's really enjoyable humor in Crescendo, too. There are a couple of running jokes that are with you throughout the book. It's not ha-ha, comedy funny, but more subtle.
The novel is long, 420 or 450 pages depending on the source. There's a lot brewing under the hood for both main characters. Both have struggles in their life and they try to find their way forward through the musical training program, Crescendo. The music is key to everything. It was interesting to read a romance novel where the main characters discuss and process their feelings and trauma through music. I don't know anything about music, let alone classical music, so parts of it went over my head but I decided to go with the flow and take what I understood because the writing was so good.
The book is a bit heavy on the side characters and their own plots. I appreciate good cast of diverse side characters and their support to the main couple. Crescendo could have benefited from axing some of the side plots though. MCs were mostly involved in them but most of the side plots didn't take the main plot forward. I feel like about 20% of the book was side plots and scenes. For example, maybe there could have been a separate book for Eliza and Hannah?
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Crescendo. It's fun, sexy, thoughtful and a little bit gloomy sapphic romance. A delightful read.
I've read several Jacqueline Ramsden romances but this was my first Lily Seabrooke romance. Being used to the slow burn of Ramsden novels, I was *shocked* how *spicy* Crescendo is. There are both on and off page scenes. And they are really well written scenes. The energy and chemistry between Lydia and Ella is palpable -- with sad undertones.
Although it's a celebrity romance, there's almost no hero worship between the main couple. (The hero worship is done by side characters!) There's no coming out nor realizing truths in one's sexuality. Both main characters are grown women. The romance in Crescendo could have been a love story. They know their time together is limited -- or so they think until the very end. The only struggle in the relationship is the fact they live on different continents which is refreshing. I really enjoy queer awakening romances, some of my favorite romances have that trope, but sometimes it's good to read straight forward sapphic romance.
I enjoy romance novels and novels in general that take place in the UK. The British vocabulary and culture in Crescendo was fun to read. There are some fun scenes where Lydia, the Yank, gets used to the rainy gray London. There's really enjoyable humor in Crescendo, too. There are a couple of running jokes that are with you throughout the book. It's not ha-ha, comedy funny, but more subtle.
The novel is long, 420 or 450 pages depending on the source. There's a lot brewing under the hood for both main characters. Both have struggles in their life and they try to find their way forward through the musical training program, Crescendo. The music is key to everything. It was interesting to read a romance novel where the main characters discuss and process their feelings and trauma through music. I don't know anything about music, let alone classical music, so parts of it went over my head but I decided to go with the flow and take what I understood because the writing was so good.
The book is a bit heavy on the side characters and their own plots. I appreciate good cast of diverse side characters and their support to the main couple. Crescendo could have benefited from axing some of the side plots though. MCs were mostly involved in them but most of the side plots didn't take the main plot forward. I feel like about 20% of the book was side plots and scenes. For example, maybe there could have been a separate book for Eliza and Hannah?
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Crescendo. It's fun, sexy, thoughtful and a little bit gloomy sapphic romance. A delightful read.
July 12, 2025
Clap for Crescendo
Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden have written a multi-encore-earning novel, Crescendo.
Top billing goes to Lydia Howard Fox, a woman who claims the spotlight on any stage she appears. She’s feisty, authentic, and inspiring. She’s also gorgeous and enticing.
The elite composer has earned global respect and celebrity by creating award-winning film scores. But now she suffers from a writing block she’s unable to break though.
Fortunately, best friend and bum-kicker Melinda suggests Lydia regain her spark with a stint as a special guest teacher at Crescendo, a two-month composing boot camp in London. Melinda’s suggestion evokes Lydia’s memories of her only trip to the U.K., to visit Royal Albert Hall — where her creative flame was first ignited by experiencing the esteemed Cynthia Altman conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
But Lydia has an alternate idea — to go back to basics by attending Crescendo as a student.
Dr. Ella Hendrickson hopes Crescendo can help her, too, reclaim her love of music that’s been buried in grief the past four years. The radiologist takes a sabbatical from medicine to immerse herself in instrumentation and orchestration, which puts her directly in the path of Lydia Howard Fox when the two women are paired as roommates.
Seabrooke and Ramsden surround the two women with an eclectic ensemble of students and friends, each of whom Lydia manages to humor, cajole, inspire, or fight for as she functions less as a student and more as the mentor Melinda encouraged her to be.
Also adding to the story are Adam, Lydia’s colleague and friend affiliated with RAH, along with Ella’s parents and her London pals, Alisha and Sian.
The story centers on Lydia’s offering all manner of support to Ella as she tries to intuit how to help her resolve her unidentified pain via a renewed connection to music.
As the composer sits beside or behind Ella to teach her piano chords or the cello, respectively, her curiosity and investment in — attraction to — the endearing doctor grows.
But can sharing Lydia’s sexual interests be enough to open up the reticent, bereft, London-dedicated doctor to a brash, legendary, L.A.-based American?
I encourage anyone who has an ear for the intricacies of musical composition or the intimacy of a well-tuned Sapphic romance to join the audience of Crescendo readers.
Seabrooke and Ramsden’s latest collaboration is worthy of robust applause.
Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden have written a multi-encore-earning novel, Crescendo.
Top billing goes to Lydia Howard Fox, a woman who claims the spotlight on any stage she appears. She’s feisty, authentic, and inspiring. She’s also gorgeous and enticing.
The elite composer has earned global respect and celebrity by creating award-winning film scores. But now she suffers from a writing block she’s unable to break though.
Fortunately, best friend and bum-kicker Melinda suggests Lydia regain her spark with a stint as a special guest teacher at Crescendo, a two-month composing boot camp in London. Melinda’s suggestion evokes Lydia’s memories of her only trip to the U.K., to visit Royal Albert Hall — where her creative flame was first ignited by experiencing the esteemed Cynthia Altman conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
But Lydia has an alternate idea — to go back to basics by attending Crescendo as a student.
Dr. Ella Hendrickson hopes Crescendo can help her, too, reclaim her love of music that’s been buried in grief the past four years. The radiologist takes a sabbatical from medicine to immerse herself in instrumentation and orchestration, which puts her directly in the path of Lydia Howard Fox when the two women are paired as roommates.
Seabrooke and Ramsden surround the two women with an eclectic ensemble of students and friends, each of whom Lydia manages to humor, cajole, inspire, or fight for as she functions less as a student and more as the mentor Melinda encouraged her to be.
Also adding to the story are Adam, Lydia’s colleague and friend affiliated with RAH, along with Ella’s parents and her London pals, Alisha and Sian.
The story centers on Lydia’s offering all manner of support to Ella as she tries to intuit how to help her resolve her unidentified pain via a renewed connection to music.
As the composer sits beside or behind Ella to teach her piano chords or the cello, respectively, her curiosity and investment in — attraction to — the endearing doctor grows.
But can sharing Lydia’s sexual interests be enough to open up the reticent, bereft, London-dedicated doctor to a brash, legendary, L.A.-based American?
I encourage anyone who has an ear for the intricacies of musical composition or the intimacy of a well-tuned Sapphic romance to join the audience of Crescendo readers.
Seabrooke and Ramsden’s latest collaboration is worthy of robust applause.
July 10, 2025
When I read the blurb for this book, I couldn't wait to read it. A book about romance and music? Yes, please.
This story follows the journey of two women who decide to attend a two-month focused program on music. Both women are going through difficult times in their lives and are looking for a way to overcome it. Lydia Howard Fox is a renowned composer from America, but she's hit a bit of a wall when it comes to her artistic flow with music. Ella Hendrickson lives in England, where the majority of the story is set, and she has taken a sabbatical from her work as a doctor in order to attend the course and work through her grief after she suffered a loss of someone very close to her.
Both women connect strongly to music... it is their lifeblood. This becomes evident early on in the story, and watching the two of them reignite this passion for music and life through their passion for each other was something truly beautiful to see. Some things are just easier said through song than with words, and that is a central theme within this story.
I also really enjoyed the banter in the book, as is generally the case with Lily's books, so I was happy to see this continue in this collaboration with her girlfriend. Lydia is especially wonderful as she is a big personality, but also very thoughtful and caring about her friends, even those who perhaps resist that friendship initially (I'm looking at you, Eliza). Contrasted with Ella, a sweet English girl who has let the last few years just pass her by while avoiding dealing with her grief, and I just love the two of them together. They balance each other perfectly.
Of course there are ups and downs, namely that the two lovebirds have busy careers and live in different countries, so how on earth would they ever make that work? So they agree their relationship will be a casual one as it has a two-month expiration date on it, when they both return to their normal lives on separate continents. But have no fear!! This is a romance, so you know a HEA is just around the bend.
So, in conclusion, do yourself a favor and check out this beautiful love story, especially if you're a music lover.
This story follows the journey of two women who decide to attend a two-month focused program on music. Both women are going through difficult times in their lives and are looking for a way to overcome it. Lydia Howard Fox is a renowned composer from America, but she's hit a bit of a wall when it comes to her artistic flow with music. Ella Hendrickson lives in England, where the majority of the story is set, and she has taken a sabbatical from her work as a doctor in order to attend the course and work through her grief after she suffered a loss of someone very close to her.
Both women connect strongly to music... it is their lifeblood. This becomes evident early on in the story, and watching the two of them reignite this passion for music and life through their passion for each other was something truly beautiful to see. Some things are just easier said through song than with words, and that is a central theme within this story.
I also really enjoyed the banter in the book, as is generally the case with Lily's books, so I was happy to see this continue in this collaboration with her girlfriend. Lydia is especially wonderful as she is a big personality, but also very thoughtful and caring about her friends, even those who perhaps resist that friendship initially (I'm looking at you, Eliza). Contrasted with Ella, a sweet English girl who has let the last few years just pass her by while avoiding dealing with her grief, and I just love the two of them together. They balance each other perfectly.
Of course there are ups and downs, namely that the two lovebirds have busy careers and live in different countries, so how on earth would they ever make that work? So they agree their relationship will be a casual one as it has a two-month expiration date on it, when they both return to their normal lives on separate continents. But have no fear!! This is a romance, so you know a HEA is just around the bend.
So, in conclusion, do yourself a favor and check out this beautiful love story, especially if you're a music lover.
July 10, 2025
Lydia Howard Fox is an enormously talented and popular composer, and she's hit a wall.
Ella Hendrickson has been grieving her brother for years, and needs to get these emotions out.
These two and more decide to go to a program designed for up and coming talented composers to really find their creative flow and kickstart their careers, as one does. And they're in the same apartment, and they can't quite seem to cease flirting. A classic setup, really.
(I received a free ARC for this book)
As I've come to expect from the two wonderful authors of Crescendo, affectionately nicknamed SeaRam, this book is chock full of enjoyable and witty banter that really makes our character dynamics tick. Whether it's Lydia's self styled rival and mean girl Lizzie and her puppy-like follower Hannah trading barbs with the girls, or Ella's friends ribbing her for her obvious attraction to a world famous composer, every line is a joy.
The uniqueness of this books main romantic thrust is in how well the characters communicate. There are very few moments in the narrative in which they are not aware of how the other woman feels, and this is accomplished through a mix of communication, talking to friends, and the book's biggest joy for me - music.
Crescendo is a book about learning to feel, and learning to express your feelings honestly. The main couple and the delightful beta couple all have their emotional issues to surpass, and all communicate best through their music, as shown in some truly beautiful scenes. I spent the latter half of the book in constant tears. These scenes just hit SO hard, SO deep, I truly do adore the skill in which SeaRam channel these emotions into scenes of music, of performance, of wordless connection.
Crescendo reminds me to create, to share my art, to never stop trying to feel and to always show these feelings to others.
It's a pretty damn inspiring message.
Ella Hendrickson has been grieving her brother for years, and needs to get these emotions out.
These two and more decide to go to a program designed for up and coming talented composers to really find their creative flow and kickstart their careers, as one does. And they're in the same apartment, and they can't quite seem to cease flirting. A classic setup, really.
(I received a free ARC for this book)
As I've come to expect from the two wonderful authors of Crescendo, affectionately nicknamed SeaRam, this book is chock full of enjoyable and witty banter that really makes our character dynamics tick. Whether it's Lydia's self styled rival and mean girl Lizzie and her puppy-like follower Hannah trading barbs with the girls, or Ella's friends ribbing her for her obvious attraction to a world famous composer, every line is a joy.
The uniqueness of this books main romantic thrust is in how well the characters communicate. There are very few moments in the narrative in which they are not aware of how the other woman feels, and this is accomplished through a mix of communication, talking to friends, and the book's biggest joy for me - music.
Crescendo is a book about learning to feel, and learning to express your feelings honestly. The main couple and the delightful beta couple all have their emotional issues to surpass, and all communicate best through their music, as shown in some truly beautiful scenes. I spent the latter half of the book in constant tears. These scenes just hit SO hard, SO deep, I truly do adore the skill in which SeaRam channel these emotions into scenes of music, of performance, of wordless connection.
Crescendo reminds me to create, to share my art, to never stop trying to feel and to always show these feelings to others.
It's a pretty damn inspiring message.
November 5, 2025
the horniest cello scene I've ever read
so you know how you'll be watching some Netflix reality contest around an obscure profession, and you have no actual knowledge about glass blowing, but you still get super invested in those sweaty maniacs? that's me with music composing and this novel. all "YES! THE PIECE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT CLARINETS!" I could not tell you what a clarinet looks or sounds like but I cried over a written description of someone playing the clarinet I don't know what to tell you
this book is centred around big, enormous, very dramatic feelings. Lydia has big feelings, Elly has big feelings, they have big feelings about each other, Lydia's hilarious sitcom nemeses Eliza and Hannah have big feelings, Elly's parents have big feelings, it's just all a lot and it's wonderful. almost like a crescendo of feelings
we have Elly's heartbreaking grief and Lydia's paralysing creator's block, intercut with delightful banter with the rich supporting cast mostly comprised of other students at the Crescendo program, and Lydia fucking Elly up against the wall they share with Eliza and Hannah definitely as an accidental coincidence. add to that a lot of very emotional talk about the act of composing and creation, and a B-plot couple who could have been the leads of their own very angsty book
also, never looking at cellos the same way again
so you know how you'll be watching some Netflix reality contest around an obscure profession, and you have no actual knowledge about glass blowing, but you still get super invested in those sweaty maniacs? that's me with music composing and this novel. all "YES! THE PIECE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT CLARINETS!" I could not tell you what a clarinet looks or sounds like but I cried over a written description of someone playing the clarinet I don't know what to tell you
this book is centred around big, enormous, very dramatic feelings. Lydia has big feelings, Elly has big feelings, they have big feelings about each other, Lydia's hilarious sitcom nemeses Eliza and Hannah have big feelings, Elly's parents have big feelings, it's just all a lot and it's wonderful. almost like a crescendo of feelings
we have Elly's heartbreaking grief and Lydia's paralysing creator's block, intercut with delightful banter with the rich supporting cast mostly comprised of other students at the Crescendo program, and Lydia fucking Elly up against the wall they share with Eliza and Hannah definitely as an accidental coincidence. add to that a lot of very emotional talk about the act of composing and creation, and a B-plot couple who could have been the leads of their own very angsty book
also, never looking at cellos the same way again
July 31, 2025
Sapphic and music
What a beautiful book! It's my favorite authors writing about sapphic musical genius with a sparkling of drama, friendship and medical. I knew before reading it, it's gonna be amazing and it did not disappoint at all!
I love reading long romance book because I got to really live in this world of them, to feel their feelings evolve and being in awe of music without hearing any sound. I always find it crazy to write so much about music when you cannot hear anything from a book but some authors can really makes me hear incredible music with theirs words. And I cannot lie, I love competency so a legend and a baby genius is perfect. Learning a instrument had never be so sexy before.
This book is so good, it's so funny with every interaction between characters and Lydia being Lydia. The whole gang of friends are hilarious and well developed, always here to support each others.
Of course, Lydia and Ella are soooo adorable and cute. Their love is so much flirting, communicating through music and helping the other to be the best version of themselves. They are adorably perfect.
If you didn't understand with all my praising, you have to go buy the book and read it, it's incredible!
What a beautiful book! It's my favorite authors writing about sapphic musical genius with a sparkling of drama, friendship and medical. I knew before reading it, it's gonna be amazing and it did not disappoint at all!
I love reading long romance book because I got to really live in this world of them, to feel their feelings evolve and being in awe of music without hearing any sound. I always find it crazy to write so much about music when you cannot hear anything from a book but some authors can really makes me hear incredible music with theirs words. And I cannot lie, I love competency so a legend and a baby genius is perfect. Learning a instrument had never be so sexy before.
This book is so good, it's so funny with every interaction between characters and Lydia being Lydia. The whole gang of friends are hilarious and well developed, always here to support each others.
Of course, Lydia and Ella are soooo adorable and cute. Their love is so much flirting, communicating through music and helping the other to be the best version of themselves. They are adorably perfect.
If you didn't understand with all my praising, you have to go buy the book and read it, it's incredible!
July 18, 2025
THIS.
Soul-stirring. Devastating resonance. Divine connection.
Crescendo. Oh, what a term to describe this story. My favourite music term since my first brush with the piano keys, playing my first classical eons ago. This story is meant to be. Came to me at the perfect timing. I'm a total believer in timing. Everything happens at the appropriate time.
And that faraway-yet-tethered, wistful cover lures and captivates...
There's so much to pour over "Crescendo." But no words are worthwhile enough to describe its utter beauty, reverence, its ferocious authenticity in the keys of music, life, love, and its overwhelming effect on me. Magnolia Robbins' "Forbidden Melody" is our permanence. "Crescendo" is our solace. Solace in permanence. Permanence in solace. Infinitely interconnected. Immortalised by one singular entity that transcends all - music.
I will leave you with the following quote from this story that, for me, describes it best. The purity of it at its core:
"....that music was immortal--that medicine could make someone live longer, but music could make someone live forever."
Thank you for sharing this transcendental story grounded in authenticity, Jacqueline Ramsden and Lily Seabrooke. Truly blessed to be in possession of this story that lives on forever.
Soul-stirring. Devastating resonance. Divine connection.
Crescendo. Oh, what a term to describe this story. My favourite music term since my first brush with the piano keys, playing my first classical eons ago. This story is meant to be. Came to me at the perfect timing. I'm a total believer in timing. Everything happens at the appropriate time.
And that faraway-yet-tethered, wistful cover lures and captivates...
There's so much to pour over "Crescendo." But no words are worthwhile enough to describe its utter beauty, reverence, its ferocious authenticity in the keys of music, life, love, and its overwhelming effect on me. Magnolia Robbins' "Forbidden Melody" is our permanence. "Crescendo" is our solace. Solace in permanence. Permanence in solace. Infinitely interconnected. Immortalised by one singular entity that transcends all - music.
I will leave you with the following quote from this story that, for me, describes it best. The purity of it at its core:
"....that music was immortal--that medicine could make someone live longer, but music could make someone live forever."
Thank you for sharing this transcendental story grounded in authenticity, Jacqueline Ramsden and Lily Seabrooke. Truly blessed to be in possession of this story that lives on forever.
July 7, 2025
Loved this book. I'm always amazed at Lily Seabrooke's ability to take seemingly any scenario and making it perfect for a compelling romance. This time it's an orchestral composition school.
This book is another collaboration with Jacqueline Ramsden.
The characters are excellent. The contrast created by Lydia's limitless confidence and Ella's absence of confidence makes for some fun tension. They way they're drawn together and ultimately come to support and uplift eachother is really heart warming.
This book is a little less spicy than the last few Lily Seabrooke novels. There is still some excellent scenes. One in particular featuring a cello had me sweating. I think that a little less spice was the right call with this story. Without the release of tension that you get from a good spicy scene the emotional tension of this book really has an opportunity to build and makes the conclusion all the better for it.
I think is a great book for anyone who likes music and girls kissing, a good helping of hurt/comfort or just anyone who likes a well written romance.
This book is another collaboration with Jacqueline Ramsden.
The characters are excellent. The contrast created by Lydia's limitless confidence and Ella's absence of confidence makes for some fun tension. They way they're drawn together and ultimately come to support and uplift eachother is really heart warming.
This book is a little less spicy than the last few Lily Seabrooke novels. There is still some excellent scenes. One in particular featuring a cello had me sweating. I think that a little less spice was the right call with this story. Without the release of tension that you get from a good spicy scene the emotional tension of this book really has an opportunity to build and makes the conclusion all the better for it.
I think is a great book for anyone who likes music and girls kissing, a good helping of hurt/comfort or just anyone who likes a well written romance.
July 9, 2025
I've enjoyed both Jacqueline Ramsden's and Lily Seabrooke's individual books, but this is the first one I've read co-written by them. And what a fantastic book this is. Of all of the books I've read by them, this is hands down one of my favorites. The characters have depth, the writing is fluid, and the witty dialog had me chuckling throughout. The relationship between Ella and Lydia develops naturally with music composition as the perfect backdrop. I genuinely liked them both but was more partial to Lydia due to her shrewd, snappy comments. If you're looking for a skillfully crafted, we'll written romance, you can't go wrong with this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the next collaboration from these authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Crescendo is a masterpiece of a story told with learning about music. Ella hasn’t dealt with the agony of losing her brother and has no idea how to let go of the grief. Meeting Lydia changes how she sees life. It was a joy to see how Lydia and Ella help each other with their feelings of failing. While Lydia and Ella are finding their equilibrium, what they believed to be casual becomes so much more. Even though we can’t hear actual music, the music woven into the story was an awesome background character that helped all these wonderful full of life characters. What a whirlwind of a perfect ride with all these feelings that jumped off the page. The ending was so worth the journey getting there!
July 4, 2025
At first I thought all the musical technicality might turn off some readers, but as I kept reading, it gave me a greater appreciation of what it must take to compose a full length movie or a symphonic piece of music. The writing flowed seamlessly between authors and the dual POVs of Lydia and Ella. The first half was filled with self-doubt, flirtation, snark and suggestion while the second half was filled with so much love, support, passion and emotion. It truly was beautiful. It made me "feel!"
"Music really did have the power to change lives." I also love all the unique characters, the title and the cover. Brava, ladies!!!
"Music really did have the power to change lives." I also love all the unique characters, the title and the cover. Brava, ladies!!!
July 11, 2025
Lydia is a famous composer who usually writes film scores but is now suffering from a bad case of composers block.
Dr Ella lost her brother a few years ago and her grief has played a repeated cycle of dirges, blocking out her love of music.
Both end up with taking a 2 month programme at Cresendo’s designed to get the creative juices flowing again.
Ella and Lydia are roommates. One is lacking in confidence, one has it in abundance.
The music brings them together and helps them relate to each other.
This is a fabulous collaboration and a must read for any music lovers. Full of wit and humour and of course some spice.
Dr Ella lost her brother a few years ago and her grief has played a repeated cycle of dirges, blocking out her love of music.
Both end up with taking a 2 month programme at Cresendo’s designed to get the creative juices flowing again.
Ella and Lydia are roommates. One is lacking in confidence, one has it in abundance.
The music brings them together and helps them relate to each other.
This is a fabulous collaboration and a must read for any music lovers. Full of wit and humour and of course some spice.
July 15, 2025
I would give this book more stars if I could! Loved it! A wonderful story about two hearts coming together in spite of life’s obstacles. Both main characters are very easy to like and root for. And the secondary characters are absolutely awesome and really add depth to the book. Both are dealing with personal issues that require growth, courage, and resilience to overcome. This story shows how two people who find love in each other can be the cure for what ails each of them. These two, Lydia and Ella, are the other half of each other and the strengths of one lift up and heal the weaknesses of the other. This is a great story that you will not regret getting as soon as possible!
July 15, 2025
The music is playing in my mind, such a joyous symphony of love!
Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden have composed a deeply emotional melody that enveloped these characters in to a solid orchestral sound. Each character has their own instrument played with precision in perfect tune and time bringing emotions up and down and swirling around each other delightfully. I laughed and cried with the intimacy it created in my mind. You both SCORED a permit hit!
Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden have composed a deeply emotional melody that enveloped these characters in to a solid orchestral sound. Each character has their own instrument played with precision in perfect tune and time bringing emotions up and down and swirling around each other delightfully. I laughed and cried with the intimacy it created in my mind. You both SCORED a permit hit!
July 29, 2025
Lydia Howard Fox is blocked, and the composer doesn't know how to fix it. At a friend's suggestion, she decides to attend a British program for music, hoping it'll spark something.
Ella, a medical doctor, has signed up for the course to honor her brother, and is instantly intrigued by Lydia. They know it'll only be three months with the course, and there are issues with fellow students too.
3.5 stars. Good read, interesting characters.
Ella, a medical doctor, has signed up for the course to honor her brother, and is instantly intrigued by Lydia. They know it'll only be three months with the course, and there are issues with fellow students too.
3.5 stars. Good read, interesting characters.
July 30, 2025
Exquisite - a must read
Crescendo is beautifully written and edited. It is in my top 10 all-time favorites with just the right "notes" of humor, sadness, joy and romance. The characters are well-developed (even the support characters). Lydia and Ella will stay with me for a long while. You simply must read this novel.
Crescendo is beautifully written and edited. It is in my top 10 all-time favorites with just the right "notes" of humor, sadness, joy and romance. The characters are well-developed (even the support characters). Lydia and Ella will stay with me for a long while. You simply must read this novel.
August 14, 2025
Wonderful
This was such a wonderful story of two people in search of healing and found through the the love of music, found each other. The cast of characters helped complete the story!!! A must read.
This was such a wonderful story of two people in search of healing and found through the the love of music, found each other. The cast of characters helped complete the story!!! A must read.
August 21, 2025
A classic
An emotional rollercoaster. An original plot full of humour, emotional depth and intelligent writing. Obviously written by people with a great knowledge and love of music. This will stay with me for quite a while. Thank you.
An emotional rollercoaster. An original plot full of humour, emotional depth and intelligent writing. Obviously written by people with a great knowledge and love of music. This will stay with me for quite a while. Thank you.
November 25, 2025
Such a sweet story
This was such a sweet story. From the up and downs to the laughter. I loved it. This book had me laughing and aching with the MCs. I loved Lydia’s humor and how she supported Ella from the beginning. 10/10 would read again.
This was such a sweet story. From the up and downs to the laughter. I loved it. This book had me laughing and aching with the MCs. I loved Lydia’s humor and how she supported Ella from the beginning. 10/10 would read again.
August 8, 2025
So Moving!
I adored this story. Every single part of it. Every character. Every emotion. I’d give anything to hear its score. Brava!
I adored this story. Every single part of it. Every character. Every emotion. I’d give anything to hear its score. Brava!
July 31, 2025
That I stayed up till 2am finishing off the story, tears staining my face for a good portion of the second half, certainly makes a declaration about the quality of the book, and the impact that it had. So emotional, so heart-warming, and so good.
Both Lydia and Ella went to Crescendo will a goal in mind, something that they did achieve. They both just happened to fall in love along the way. It is a story of healing, and not just for the main characters, but a number of side character as well, along with finally working out what it is that they both want from life. I love both Ella and Lydia, their personalities shinning through, and damn, that engery and presence for Lydia. They're both stand out characters, and honestly a perfect match for each other. There are ups and downs along the way, a bit of a rough ride, but one that makes them stronger for it.
But yes, I loved it, a great story, and just a wonderful read.
Both Lydia and Ella went to Crescendo will a goal in mind, something that they did achieve. They both just happened to fall in love along the way. It is a story of healing, and not just for the main characters, but a number of side character as well, along with finally working out what it is that they both want from life. I love both Ella and Lydia, their personalities shinning through, and damn, that engery and presence for Lydia. They're both stand out characters, and honestly a perfect match for each other. There are ups and downs along the way, a bit of a rough ride, but one that makes them stronger for it.
But yes, I loved it, a great story, and just a wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews