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Last Song for the Soprano
In the lamplit world of the Victorian stage, Miss Odette Delaney is a name spoken with awe and envy. Acclaimed soprano. A darling of the nobility. A woman untouched by scandal… until one indiscretion threatens to destroy her carefully composed reputation. With financiers pulling back and the press ravenous for a story, Odette concocts a simple yet risky plan—a fabricated romance to drown out the truth.
Enter Cassius Zadora, the orchestra’s stoic conductor. Once enamoured with Odette, his love has turned bitter through years of watching her flirt with privilege and power. His hopes of securing a prestigious post in Vienna depend on the Season surviving Odette’s scandalous misstep, and when she begs him to pose as her devoted suitor, he agrees—not to save her, but to escape her.
Yet in the deceptive waltz they perform for society, real affection begins to stir. Odette teaches Cassius how to play the crowd while he shows her what it is to be truly seen. But as opening night looms, secrets unravel, passions flare, and the stage becomes the battleground for hearts long denied.
Will the music they make bring them together? Or will their duet end in silence?
Enter Cassius Zadora, the orchestra’s stoic conductor. Once enamoured with Odette, his love has turned bitter through years of watching her flirt with privilege and power. His hopes of securing a prestigious post in Vienna depend on the Season surviving Odette’s scandalous misstep, and when she begs him to pose as her devoted suitor, he agrees—not to save her, but to escape her.
Yet in the deceptive waltz they perform for society, real affection begins to stir. Odette teaches Cassius how to play the crowd while he shows her what it is to be truly seen. But as opening night looms, secrets unravel, passions flare, and the stage becomes the battleground for hearts long denied.
Will the music they make bring them together? Or will their duet end in silence?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2026
About the author
Alivia Fleur
19 books60 followersAlivia Fleur writes steamy romantic fiction for history lovers. In her stories, curious and consenting adults explore their desires as they search for their own happy ever after.
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
INSTAGRAM
@aliviafleur_writes
Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.
WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/
NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...
@aliviafleur_writes
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve been a fan of Australian indie author Alivia Fleur for a while, and this book did not disappoint. As usual with Fleur, the mains aren’t from high society but come from more diverse backgrounds and now live in Victorian London. Here, both leads are Polish immigrants: Odette, a celebrated opera singer, and Cassius, the orchestra conductor she’s worked with for over a decade. When a prince makes a fool of himself pursuing Odette and sparks a scandal, the theatre’s moralistic patron threatens to pull support for the debut opera written specifically for her. To smooth things over, the theatre owner orders Odette and Cassius to fake a respectable courtship, and the simmering sexual tension takes off from there.
I’m loving that Cassius is just over 40 and Odette’s 36, with the kind of confidence and sexual experience that comes with fame. The opera setting is fascinating, especially all the behind the scenes details. There’s also a looming threat for Odette as she starts experiencing tinnitus that interferes with her hearing and her ability to perform. Cassius is under pressure too, since the success of this launch will free him to pursue a coveted position in Vienna.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Cassius once held a torch for Odette and bitterly watched as she was courted by men of greater influence. Steeling his heart against her despite their long friendship, he finds himself melting for her all over again. The romance is a slow burn with plenty to work through before an HEA can happen, and there’s a cast of recurring characters from the series to catch up with.
As always, Fleur impresses with her beautiful, lyrical writing, impeccable research, and nuanced characterization. The friendship between Odette and her neighbours, especially Albert, is lovely to see, even with some heartache attached to it. Fleur’s depiction of Albert’s dementia over the course of the series hit a nerve for me with my own experience with my mother, but it was gratifying to see such a sensitive and realistic portrayal. I loved the setting for this one and the way it was brought to life with vivid detail. The love story is steamy, and you really root for the mains as they find their footing both for the future and for their relationship. The final gestures of love are poignant and deeply satisfying.
My only small quibble was with the ending, which felt a bit rushed to me, especially with the many things that happen and the hint of danger to the Duke of Arley from the first book. The journalist snooping around Honeysuckle Street made me anxious, but that thread had no resolution. I’m a bit perplexed as to why, though these are small quibbles that may not even register for other readers.
Overall, I really loved this novel, and it sports my favourite cover of the series, perfectly suited to the story. While it can be read as a standalone, readers who’ve followed the earlier books will find the experience even more rewarding. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to the author for my advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
I’m loving that Cassius is just over 40 and Odette’s 36, with the kind of confidence and sexual experience that comes with fame. The opera setting is fascinating, especially all the behind the scenes details. There’s also a looming threat for Odette as she starts experiencing tinnitus that interferes with her hearing and her ability to perform. Cassius is under pressure too, since the success of this launch will free him to pursue a coveted position in Vienna.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Cassius once held a torch for Odette and bitterly watched as she was courted by men of greater influence. Steeling his heart against her despite their long friendship, he finds himself melting for her all over again. The romance is a slow burn with plenty to work through before an HEA can happen, and there’s a cast of recurring characters from the series to catch up with.
As always, Fleur impresses with her beautiful, lyrical writing, impeccable research, and nuanced characterization. The friendship between Odette and her neighbours, especially Albert, is lovely to see, even with some heartache attached to it. Fleur’s depiction of Albert’s dementia over the course of the series hit a nerve for me with my own experience with my mother, but it was gratifying to see such a sensitive and realistic portrayal. I loved the setting for this one and the way it was brought to life with vivid detail. The love story is steamy, and you really root for the mains as they find their footing both for the future and for their relationship. The final gestures of love are poignant and deeply satisfying.
My only small quibble was with the ending, which felt a bit rushed to me, especially with the many things that happen and the hint of danger to the Duke of Arley from the first book. The journalist snooping around Honeysuckle Street made me anxious, but that thread had no resolution. I’m a bit perplexed as to why, though these are small quibbles that may not even register for other readers.
Overall, I really loved this novel, and it sports my favourite cover of the series, perfectly suited to the story. While it can be read as a standalone, readers who’ve followed the earlier books will find the experience even more rewarding. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to the author for my advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
Thanks to the author for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
This is another story from the Honeysuckle Street, featuring another one of it's denizens. This is not a typical English historical romance. The main characters are both living in London, with famed saprano Odette Delaney being the resident of Honeysuckle Street. She and Cassius Zadora have known each other and been friends for many years, since they were both unknown musicians, before both gaining renown. Cassius and Odette have never stepped out of their roles of fractious friends and professionals, despite perhaps some desire for more, long suppressed as they both witness each in their own affairs over the years.
Cassius is preparing to leave London, saying good bye to Odette and the London theatre, for a new prospect as maestro in Vienna, when a scandal threatening Odette's pristine reputation, and the new production featuring an opera made especially for her. A plan is devised to control the scandal and repair reputations, but Cassius is forced to put his own plans on hold to play his part, in a fake public courtship of Odette. This forces them to spend time together and reveal to each other more than they have in the past, and the fake relationship starts to become more real.
But ultimately Cassius has no plans of giving up his plans for Vienna, and in the end hopes to convince the beautiful saprano to join him, not realizing that she is hiding one last vulnerable secret from him. One that Odette fears will lead to him being held back from his musical ambitions and ultimately resenting her. Ultimately Odette decides to face her future where she has found a home in fact and spirit, Honeysuckle Street. And it will be up to Cassius to decide what he truly desires for his future.
A lovely, but passionate story about the passing of time, changing relationships, and finding love and home, in spirit and soul.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is another story from the Honeysuckle Street, featuring another one of it's denizens. This is not a typical English historical romance. The main characters are both living in London, with famed saprano Odette Delaney being the resident of Honeysuckle Street. She and Cassius Zadora have known each other and been friends for many years, since they were both unknown musicians, before both gaining renown. Cassius and Odette have never stepped out of their roles of fractious friends and professionals, despite perhaps some desire for more, long suppressed as they both witness each in their own affairs over the years.
Cassius is preparing to leave London, saying good bye to Odette and the London theatre, for a new prospect as maestro in Vienna, when a scandal threatening Odette's pristine reputation, and the new production featuring an opera made especially for her. A plan is devised to control the scandal and repair reputations, but Cassius is forced to put his own plans on hold to play his part, in a fake public courtship of Odette. This forces them to spend time together and reveal to each other more than they have in the past, and the fake relationship starts to become more real.
But ultimately Cassius has no plans of giving up his plans for Vienna, and in the end hopes to convince the beautiful saprano to join him, not realizing that she is hiding one last vulnerable secret from him. One that Odette fears will lead to him being held back from his musical ambitions and ultimately resenting her. Ultimately Odette decides to face her future where she has found a home in fact and spirit, Honeysuckle Street. And it will be up to Cassius to decide what he truly desires for his future.
A lovely, but passionate story about the passing of time, changing relationships, and finding love and home, in spirit and soul.
4.25 stars out of 5
July 20, 2026
When the life you love is about to change…
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Honeysuckle Street books, so I was thrilled to see another one out in the world! Previous books don’t reveal much about Odette, so it took me a few chapters to warm up to her story. I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one between Odette and Cassius was no exception. The pair first met when they were both starving and hopeful and launching careers in opera and music, ambitious for fame and fortune. They’re further united by their Polish heritage and the trauma of war in that part of the world during their younger years. For fifteen years they’ve remained close platonic friends, while they chose other lovers. That’s about to change.
Throughout the book, readers get a glimpse of the world and people of the theater and opera, both the glamour of the stage and the whirl of activity behind the curtain. Cassius’ present role as orchestra conductor is intriguing, especially given the path that led him into that profession. As the book opens, Cassius is finally about to get his big break in Vienna, where he hopes to put his obsession with Odette behind him forever. Odette, a superstar opera singer at the peak of her popularity, is facing a decent on the other side of fame. She’s facing a frightening health issue and though she doesn’t want to admit it, it very well could spell the end of her career.
Ms. Fleur’s writing is lovely, as always, as she guides us through the twists and turns of relationship and plot to the book’s touching ending. As a bonus, along the way, we glimpse the ongoing joys and heartbreaks of Odette’s Honeysuckle Street neighbors, including, of course, the star of the neighborhood, Spencer the Cat.
I can only hope the Honeysuckle Lane series goes on for a long time!
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Honeysuckle Street books, so I was thrilled to see another one out in the world! Previous books don’t reveal much about Odette, so it took me a few chapters to warm up to her story. I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this one between Odette and Cassius was no exception. The pair first met when they were both starving and hopeful and launching careers in opera and music, ambitious for fame and fortune. They’re further united by their Polish heritage and the trauma of war in that part of the world during their younger years. For fifteen years they’ve remained close platonic friends, while they chose other lovers. That’s about to change.
Throughout the book, readers get a glimpse of the world and people of the theater and opera, both the glamour of the stage and the whirl of activity behind the curtain. Cassius’ present role as orchestra conductor is intriguing, especially given the path that led him into that profession. As the book opens, Cassius is finally about to get his big break in Vienna, where he hopes to put his obsession with Odette behind him forever. Odette, a superstar opera singer at the peak of her popularity, is facing a decent on the other side of fame. She’s facing a frightening health issue and though she doesn’t want to admit it, it very well could spell the end of her career.
Ms. Fleur’s writing is lovely, as always, as she guides us through the twists and turns of relationship and plot to the book’s touching ending. As a bonus, along the way, we glimpse the ongoing joys and heartbreaks of Odette’s Honeysuckle Street neighbors, including, of course, the star of the neighborhood, Spencer the Cat.
I can only hope the Honeysuckle Lane series goes on for a long time!
July 30, 2026
When I think of Alivia Fleur, I think of her unconventional historical romances - like this one, pairing an opera diva and a conductor who have been mutually pining for each other for years (while also engaging of plenty of other affairs on their own).
Cassius, the conductor, has accepted a new position in Vienna, and is determined to make his mark on the musical world. Odette is determined to have an opera written just for her so she can retire a legend instead of fading from glory. But when she's unexpectedly embroiled in a scandal, the musical director of the opera house refuses to release Cassius from his contract until he agrees to rehabilitate Odette's reputation. And how do they do this? By engaging in a fake courtship to undermine the scandal sheets! But all romance readers know that fake relationships are the best way to start real ones.
Odette and Cassius are a "mature" couple (he's in his early 40s, and she's in her mid 30s) - but their maturity doesn't mean they don't do stupid things as they're forced to confront their long-simmering attraction to each other.
As usual with Fleur's books, the "historical" part of the historical romance is fascinating, with less of a focus on the aristocracy and more on people who have to work for a living. And in this specific book, both Cassius and Odette are Polish refugees, so their childhood memories of the country and its history are woven through the text.
I recommend this book and the other sin the series to seasoned HistRom readers who want something a little out of the ordinary!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Cassius, the conductor, has accepted a new position in Vienna, and is determined to make his mark on the musical world. Odette is determined to have an opera written just for her so she can retire a legend instead of fading from glory. But when she's unexpectedly embroiled in a scandal, the musical director of the opera house refuses to release Cassius from his contract until he agrees to rehabilitate Odette's reputation. And how do they do this? By engaging in a fake courtship to undermine the scandal sheets! But all romance readers know that fake relationships are the best way to start real ones.
Odette and Cassius are a "mature" couple (he's in his early 40s, and she's in her mid 30s) - but their maturity doesn't mean they don't do stupid things as they're forced to confront their long-simmering attraction to each other.
As usual with Fleur's books, the "historical" part of the historical romance is fascinating, with less of a focus on the aristocracy and more on people who have to work for a living. And in this specific book, both Cassius and Odette are Polish refugees, so their childhood memories of the country and its history are woven through the text.
I recommend this book and the other sin the series to seasoned HistRom readers who want something a little out of the ordinary!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Odette & Cassius, two Polish immigrants who found each other in one of London’s lesser theatres about 15 years ago. She a gifted soprano who’s talent was honed, cherished and protected by her late grandmother. He a child piano prodigy who’s inner music was muted the day his sister died.
While her star rose, his was redirected to become a conductor. They remained friendly, their professional paths converging every so often, and now, just when he’s on the verge of leaving London for Vienna, scandal threatens what was supposed to be her crowning glory – her very own opera. A fake engagement to sooth public opinion it is – and Cassius is the designated suitor.
These are mature characters – she’s 36, he’s 43(ish) – and their full, somewhat tragic history is seamlessly woven into the story through memories and musings. I loved how they both clung to professional friction to cover their unrequited love for each other, and how their courtship reawakened his passion for the piano.
They’ve hovered on the sidelines of previous books, but discovering just how deep Honeysuckle Street runs through Odette’s veins was incredibly touching – especially her bond with Albert – and to watch her come to terms with having tinnitus (a.k.a. the end of her career) broke my heart. I admired her sense of self. Strong on the outside, fragile on the inside. She survived and thrived, made a good life for herself and is unwilling to give it up (can you blame her?) but the way her loneliness trickled though was so very recognisable. It really moved me.
Cassius is thorn, confused and so very much in love. Bitter over being overlooked, yet reluctant to give up on them. Behind his cold perfectionist facade hides a caring and passionate man; the way he treats his conquests was heartwarming – such respect, such grace – and he’s so perfectly defenceless against Odette. It made my heart sing!
As a whole, it was a passionate bittersweet tale that held me captive start to finish and pulled all my heartstrings. It was uniquely Alivia Fleur, and I loved every second of it!
While her star rose, his was redirected to become a conductor. They remained friendly, their professional paths converging every so often, and now, just when he’s on the verge of leaving London for Vienna, scandal threatens what was supposed to be her crowning glory – her very own opera. A fake engagement to sooth public opinion it is – and Cassius is the designated suitor.
These are mature characters – she’s 36, he’s 43(ish) – and their full, somewhat tragic history is seamlessly woven into the story through memories and musings. I loved how they both clung to professional friction to cover their unrequited love for each other, and how their courtship reawakened his passion for the piano.
They’ve hovered on the sidelines of previous books, but discovering just how deep Honeysuckle Street runs through Odette’s veins was incredibly touching – especially her bond with Albert – and to watch her come to terms with having tinnitus (a.k.a. the end of her career) broke my heart. I admired her sense of self. Strong on the outside, fragile on the inside. She survived and thrived, made a good life for herself and is unwilling to give it up (can you blame her?) but the way her loneliness trickled though was so very recognisable. It really moved me.
Cassius is thorn, confused and so very much in love. Bitter over being overlooked, yet reluctant to give up on them. Behind his cold perfectionist facade hides a caring and passionate man; the way he treats his conquests was heartwarming – such respect, such grace – and he’s so perfectly defenceless against Odette. It made my heart sing!
As a whole, it was a passionate bittersweet tale that held me captive start to finish and pulled all my heartstrings. It was uniquely Alivia Fleur, and I loved every second of it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review 😊
This was a beautiful and poetic story. Odette and Cassius were two immigrant souls who had a love and talent for music that they ended up honing together over a decade. They had a genuine relationship prior to their passionate one. They knew how to press buttons and lighten things up for one another. You couldn’t help but fall in love with them both.
I adored the use and execution of the found family trope in this tale. It was woven into the entirety of the story from start to finish. Your heart broke and sang for so many of the characters.
This story truly felt like a musical composition with so many ebbs and flows and beautiful imagery. It’s so wonderful when an author can create love and passion for a cause or for a piece of what truly makes a character unique. I felt this for both our main characters.
The romance of the story was a lovely accompaniment to the whole tale for Odette and Cassius. It didn’t feel downplayed, but it was so entrenched in everything else that I can’t say that it was the blaring main point (even though it certainly was like a melody.)
Bravo on a beautiful work.
This was a beautiful and poetic story. Odette and Cassius were two immigrant souls who had a love and talent for music that they ended up honing together over a decade. They had a genuine relationship prior to their passionate one. They knew how to press buttons and lighten things up for one another. You couldn’t help but fall in love with them both.
I adored the use and execution of the found family trope in this tale. It was woven into the entirety of the story from start to finish. Your heart broke and sang for so many of the characters.
This story truly felt like a musical composition with so many ebbs and flows and beautiful imagery. It’s so wonderful when an author can create love and passion for a cause or for a piece of what truly makes a character unique. I felt this for both our main characters.
The romance of the story was a lovely accompaniment to the whole tale for Odette and Cassius. It didn’t feel downplayed, but it was so entrenched in everything else that I can’t say that it was the blaring main point (even though it certainly was like a melody.)
Bravo on a beautiful work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is only my 3rd time reading anything from Alivia Fleur and all 3 times I've read anything from her, I was left wanting more!
Odette and Cassius both have a love for music and opera it's all they have from their past lives where they lost everything.. without music they had nothing until they met each other.. and they found something bigger than themselves, a place to put their dreams into motion separately.. however when they are reunited that chemistry they had when they met each other when they had nothing but vodka, dreams and a piano is still as strong as it ever was between them.. only thing is they have different dreams still.. will their dreams come between them again or will they make music together to last a lifetime?
This story is filled with so many emotions.. that even I can't drum up a proper review other than please please read it!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and the next book from Alivia!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Odette and Cassius both have a love for music and opera it's all they have from their past lives where they lost everything.. without music they had nothing until they met each other.. and they found something bigger than themselves, a place to put their dreams into motion separately.. however when they are reunited that chemistry they had when they met each other when they had nothing but vodka, dreams and a piano is still as strong as it ever was between them.. only thing is they have different dreams still.. will their dreams come between them again or will they make music together to last a lifetime?
This story is filled with so many emotions.. that even I can't drum up a proper review other than please please read it!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and the next book from Alivia!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How I loved this book!
Odette, a soprano, and Cassius, a conductor have known each other for years, from before they were stars. And this is their story as they slowly come to realise they have loved each other all along.
The story barrels along at a cracking pace, while still exploring our characters fully. The story is heart wrenching at times with them both battling obstacles.
Alivia Fleur got to play with lots of musical metaphors here and I really enjoyed the insights into the workings of a Victorian era theatre.
I love Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series. These books really are standalone. But they are firmly placed in the same world and we get to visit the neighbours and see how they’re getting on.
I highly recommend Last Song for the Soprano.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Odette, a soprano, and Cassius, a conductor have known each other for years, from before they were stars. And this is their story as they slowly come to realise they have loved each other all along.
The story barrels along at a cracking pace, while still exploring our characters fully. The story is heart wrenching at times with them both battling obstacles.
Alivia Fleur got to play with lots of musical metaphors here and I really enjoyed the insights into the workings of a Victorian era theatre.
I love Alivia Fleur’s Honeysuckle Street series. These books really are standalone. But they are firmly placed in the same world and we get to visit the neighbours and see how they’re getting on.
I highly recommend Last Song for the Soprano.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is stunningly beautiful. It made me cry several times from just the descriptions and emotions of music being performed. You can tell a lot of knowledge and care went into writing it. So, so gorgeous. I am very, very impressed!! Not only was I entertained, but I gained an education about theater life, the opera and the orchestra.
Odette and Cassius are two stars that are bigger than life, masters of their craft, who collide in mid air and explode spectacularly. And watch out, reader, because you might get burned. HOLY (blank) that was a seriously hot book. All I have to say is "Sing for me."
Cassius just may have bumped Winter Makepeace of Thief of Shadows out of the top spot for...receiving certain attentions. That's how serious I am about this book.
Now that I've gone off on a bananas tangent and no one knows what the heck this review is about, it's this: READ THIS BOOK.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Odette and Cassius are two stars that are bigger than life, masters of their craft, who collide in mid air and explode spectacularly. And watch out, reader, because you might get burned. HOLY (blank) that was a seriously hot book. All I have to say is "Sing for me."
Cassius just may have bumped Winter Makepeace of Thief of Shadows out of the top spot for...receiving certain attentions. That's how serious I am about this book.
Now that I've gone off on a bananas tangent and no one knows what the heck this review is about, it's this: READ THIS BOOK.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
August 3, 2026
Yet another wonderfully unusual story from this author. One of the things I love most about her books is how authentic they feel. The characters are like real people, and their relationships are allowed to develop naturally rather than being hurried or rushed.
The story is filled with emotion, not just between the main characters but also in their interactions with the other inhabitants of the street. Together, they create a warm, believable community that feels like a world you could happily step into and spend time in.
The world of the theatre is one I know very little about, so I found it fascinating to see just how demanding and unpredictable it could be. The author does a wonderful job of showing the hard work, dedication, and uncertainty involved behind the scenes.
Blending rich historical detail with heartfelt emotion and plenty of steam, this is another thoroughly enjoyable read.
The story is filled with emotion, not just between the main characters but also in their interactions with the other inhabitants of the street. Together, they create a warm, believable community that feels like a world you could happily step into and spend time in.
The world of the theatre is one I know very little about, so I found it fascinating to see just how demanding and unpredictable it could be. The author does a wonderful job of showing the hard work, dedication, and uncertainty involved behind the scenes.
Blending rich historical detail with heartfelt emotion and plenty of steam, this is another thoroughly enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for a fair unbiased review**
This book engaged me so completely that within a few pages I had abandoned a book I had started reading a few days before. And even though I haven't read any of the other books in the Honeysuckle Street series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything major - and I enjoyed 'Last Song for the Soprano' so much I want to immediately seek out and read the other books in the series.
The characters of Cassius and Odette both felt so real and realised, and the chemistry between them was palpable and in no way forced. Their genuine friendship and care for one another, combined with their intense sexual chemistry, has made them instantly one of my favourite literary couples.
This book engaged me so completely that within a few pages I had abandoned a book I had started reading a few days before. And even though I haven't read any of the other books in the Honeysuckle Street series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything major - and I enjoyed 'Last Song for the Soprano' so much I want to immediately seek out and read the other books in the series.
The characters of Cassius and Odette both felt so real and realised, and the chemistry between them was palpable and in no way forced. Their genuine friendship and care for one another, combined with their intense sexual chemistry, has made them instantly one of my favourite literary couples.
July 16, 2026
Thanks so much to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This was another gorgeous book from Alivia Fleur, and I’d say her strongest yet!
I loved Odette and Cassius so much. Their ego’s, their fears and dreams and desires, their shared love of music and the way they loved each other with all its complications.
Odette’s story really tugged at my heart. The grief she went through over losing her career to a developing disability she couldn’t fix hit me hard. That combined with the grief over losing a friend had me tearing up.
I loved seeing everyone else from Honeysuckle Street pop up or get a mention and Albert, oh, my dear Albert, my heart may never recover.
This was another gorgeous book from Alivia Fleur, and I’d say her strongest yet!
I loved Odette and Cassius so much. Their ego’s, their fears and dreams and desires, their shared love of music and the way they loved each other with all its complications.
Odette’s story really tugged at my heart. The grief she went through over losing her career to a developing disability she couldn’t fix hit me hard. That combined with the grief over losing a friend had me tearing up.
I loved seeing everyone else from Honeysuckle Street pop up or get a mention and Albert, oh, my dear Albert, my heart may never recover.
July 20, 2026
Odette, an opera singer, and Cassius, an orchestra conductor, met when they were both starving and ambitious and have remained close platonic friends for fifteen years. Now Cassius is leaving London and his unrequited love for Odette for a new life in Vienna, while Odette faces a scary health diagnosis and the possible end of her superstar career. When Odette's reputation is threatened by an overly amorous foreign (married) prince, the pair unite in a fake betrothal at the suggestion of the theater owner. But fake betrothals have a way of becoming very real...
A very enjoyable addition to the Honeysuckle Street series!
A very enjoyable addition to the Honeysuckle Street series!
July 25, 2026
This book was so well written. I cried at parts, and blushed while taking notes at others! It’s a standalone in a series but please read the series in order. The characters continue to build in their stories from book to book and I really enjoyed reading Odette’s story. It reminded me a little of the of the setting in the opera house in Phantom. The historical context about orchestras and their seating was fascinating to learn. I love reading the authors after blurbs that explain the details she has researched to be accurate. I can’t wait to see what the author has coming next in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Romantic, bittersweet & utterly wonderful!!
Another fantastic installment to the Tales from Honeysuckle Street series! I absolutely adored Odette & Cassius and their entire fake dating escapade!! It was also so nice to revisit some of our friends from Honeysuckle Street once again - these books are connected in such a lovely way!!
So refreshing to see mature main characters for a change - especially in a super spicy novel!
As always a totally delightful read!!
Another fantastic installment to the Tales from Honeysuckle Street series! I absolutely adored Odette & Cassius and their entire fake dating escapade!! It was also so nice to revisit some of our friends from Honeysuckle Street once again - these books are connected in such a lovely way!!
So refreshing to see mature main characters for a change - especially in a super spicy novel!
As always a totally delightful read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Opera singer x conductor
I loved the idea of an opera singer and conductor fake courting to save her reputation and their latest opera. They were also both older and Polish migrants.
I really loved that there was tinnitus rep! And that the grief and medical trauma that can occur around the diagnosis, along with her still being able to live a full happy life.
Opera singer x conductor
I loved the idea of an opera singer and conductor fake courting to save her reputation and their latest opera. They were also both older and Polish migrants.
I really loved that there was tinnitus rep! And that the grief and medical trauma that can occur around the diagnosis, along with her still being able to live a full happy life.
July 21, 2026
This fifth book in Tales from Honeysuckle Street was a captivating friends to lovers later in life, historical romance. It was a heartfelt and beautifully written love story with strong emotion, passion, lovely detail, and wonderful characters with good depth. I enjoyed the passionate chemistry that grew to so much more. I look forward to the next story. I highly recommend reading!
July 21, 2026
This book vividly describes the life of music and I was mesmerised by the sounds I could hear in my head while I was reading. That is how well the author has captured her words. It made me cry several times. I felt like a emotional wreck. It is written tenderly with care and appreciation. I like that the author has the knowledge to write a loving environment story.
July 23, 2026
Romance rating: 3. Sexy times rating: 2. I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones in the series, but it was still good.
4.75 rounded up to 5.
4.75 rounded up to 5.
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