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Chords & Courts #1
Breaking Strings
Rafe Ortiz should be focused on the music—on the gigs, the grind, and the industry eyes finally turning his way. Instead, every lyric he writes leads back to one Oliver Marshall, the golden-boy basketball captain with a body built for highlight reels and a secret smile meant only for him.
Behind the court and the stage lights, they burn.
In the shadows, they fall.
And no one can know.
Ollie has a reputation to protect and parents who expect perfection. Rafe has a band depending on him and a career poised to explode. Rules say they should walk away. Desire says they won’t survive it if they do.
When March Madness collides with a life-changing showcase opportunity, their stolen nights and breathless encounters become a crossroads—love or legacy, truth or secrecy, each choice carrying consequences that could break them.
Or bind them tighter than ever.
BREAKING STRINGS is an addictive, emotional, steamy MM romance about two men fighting for dreams, for each other, and for the life they’re terrified to admit they want.
Behind the court and the stage lights, they burn.
In the shadows, they fall.
And no one can know.
Ollie has a reputation to protect and parents who expect perfection. Rafe has a band depending on him and a career poised to explode. Rules say they should walk away. Desire says they won’t survive it if they do.
When March Madness collides with a life-changing showcase opportunity, their stolen nights and breathless encounters become a crossroads—love or legacy, truth or secrecy, each choice carrying consequences that could break them.
Or bind them tighter than ever.
BREAKING STRINGS is an addictive, emotional, steamy MM romance about two men fighting for dreams, for each other, and for the life they’re terrified to admit they want.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2026
About the author
Becca Seymour
52 books657 followersBecca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 10, 2026
Bear with me as I try to process my thoughts and feelings about the first book in the Chords & Courts trilogy. First of all, I loved both characters. Rafe and Ollie are two of the sweetest MCs I’ve read in a while. Rafe is the front man of his band Steel Saints, trying to get their big break and Ollie is the captain of his basketball team, heading into March Madness. You can immediately feel the pull between them but Ollie has many obstacles standing in his way of being out and in a relationship. Rafe was so patient and understanding of Ollie. They are each other’s biggest supporters and always show up when it matters. They’re surrounded by great group of supportive friends as well. The whole story is told from Rafe’s POV so we don’t get a ton of insight into Ollie yet. This was such a low angst, easy to read, drama free story that I’m both excited and nervous for the next installment in the trilogy which is from Ollies POV. I think the next book is going to have a lot more drama, angst and surprises.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
March 11, 2026
Breaking Strings by Becca Seymour
Chords & Courts #1
Length: 340 pages
Source: GRR Tours
Publication date: March 5, 2026
3 ⭐
2.5 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🎸 MM college romance
🎸 Jock x musician
🎸 Secret relationship
🎸 Slow burn
🎸 Found family
BLURB
Rafe Ortiz should be focused on the music—on the gigs, the grind, and the industry eyes finally turning his way. Instead, every lyric he writes leads back to one person: Oliver Marshall, the golden-boy basketball captain with a body built for highlight reels and a secret smile meant only for him.
Behind the court and the stage lights, they burn.
In the shadows, they fall.
And no one can know.
Ollie has a reputation to protect and parents who expect perfection. Rafe has a band depending on him and a career poised to explode. Rules say they should walk away. Desire says they won’t survive it if they do.
When March Madness collides with a life-changing showcase opportunity, their stolen nights and breathless encounters become a crossroads—love or legacy, truth or secrecy, each choice carrying consequences that could break them. Or bind them tighter than ever.
BREAKING STRINGS is an addictive, emotional, steamy MM romance about two men fighting for dreams, for each other, and for the life they’re terrified to admit they want.
MY THOUGHTS
I enjoyed this read overall. A lot of Rafe's internal monologue and POV feel wordy and over-exaggerated to kind of hit you over the head that he's a musician and songwriter. His thoughts are heavy with similes, even for simple things like background information (ex: random people in a bar, a location in passing, thoughts he has while watching a basketball game, etc.). I feel it's to help set a scene, but a lot of times it reads on the page like using more words when it isn't really necessary. Overall, it made some of his chapters drag. Despite that, both he and Ollie are utterly charming and cute together. Ollie's shyness and quiet nature are a great complement to Rafe's more in-your-face persona.
BOTTOM LINE
Although the burn was a bit too slow for me, I'm intrigued enough to keep going. Book #2, Shattered Hoops, comes out next month, and I plan to grab it so I can keep up with Rafe's and Ollie's love story.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Strained relationship with parents, closeted MC, explicit sexual content
–A🩷
Thanks to GRR Tours and Becca Seymour for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.
Chords & Courts #1
Length: 340 pages
Source: GRR Tours
Publication date: March 5, 2026
3 ⭐
2.5 🌶️
WHAT TO EXPECT
🎸 MM college romance
🎸 Jock x musician
🎸 Secret relationship
🎸 Slow burn
🎸 Found family
BLURB
Rafe Ortiz should be focused on the music—on the gigs, the grind, and the industry eyes finally turning his way. Instead, every lyric he writes leads back to one person: Oliver Marshall, the golden-boy basketball captain with a body built for highlight reels and a secret smile meant only for him.
Behind the court and the stage lights, they burn.
In the shadows, they fall.
And no one can know.
Ollie has a reputation to protect and parents who expect perfection. Rafe has a band depending on him and a career poised to explode. Rules say they should walk away. Desire says they won’t survive it if they do.
When March Madness collides with a life-changing showcase opportunity, their stolen nights and breathless encounters become a crossroads—love or legacy, truth or secrecy, each choice carrying consequences that could break them. Or bind them tighter than ever.
BREAKING STRINGS is an addictive, emotional, steamy MM romance about two men fighting for dreams, for each other, and for the life they’re terrified to admit they want.
MY THOUGHTS
I enjoyed this read overall. A lot of Rafe's internal monologue and POV feel wordy and over-exaggerated to kind of hit you over the head that he's a musician and songwriter. His thoughts are heavy with similes, even for simple things like background information (ex: random people in a bar, a location in passing, thoughts he has while watching a basketball game, etc.). I feel it's to help set a scene, but a lot of times it reads on the page like using more words when it isn't really necessary. Overall, it made some of his chapters drag. Despite that, both he and Ollie are utterly charming and cute together. Ollie's shyness and quiet nature are a great complement to Rafe's more in-your-face persona.
BOTTOM LINE
Although the burn was a bit too slow for me, I'm intrigued enough to keep going. Book #2, Shattered Hoops, comes out next month, and I plan to grab it so I can keep up with Rafe's and Ollie's love story.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Strained relationship with parents, closeted MC, explicit sexual content
–A🩷
Thanks to GRR Tours and Becca Seymour for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, BlueSky, BookBub, and Fable.
March 6, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Breaking Strings is the first book in a trilogy by Becca Seymour and, as such, ends on a little bit of a cliff. The MCs definitely get a Happy For Now, but there are a lot of things that are up in the air. Ollie isn’t out, and again, his life has been planned for him. His parents don’t think basketball is anything more than a hobby or a phase, but Ollie has the potential to go all the way. Rafe, for his part, is magic on stage and his band is poised to make a huge splash. They shouldn’t work together, but the love that grows between them is undeniable. They have a hard road ahead of them but they are both determined to make it work.
This series is an investment, and there’s definitely something to be said about that. This story isn’t over. Rafe and Ollie are young and have really big dreams that will put them both in the spotlight. Breaking Strings is their beginning.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Breaking Strings is the first book in a trilogy by Becca Seymour and, as such, ends on a little bit of a cliff. The MCs definitely get a Happy For Now, but there are a lot of things that are up in the air. Ollie isn’t out, and again, his life has been planned for him. His parents don’t think basketball is anything more than a hobby or a phase, but Ollie has the potential to go all the way. Rafe, for his part, is magic on stage and his band is poised to make a huge splash. They shouldn’t work together, but the love that grows between them is undeniable. They have a hard road ahead of them but they are both determined to make it work.
This series is an investment, and there’s definitely something to be said about that. This story isn’t over. Rafe and Ollie are young and have really big dreams that will put them both in the spotlight. Breaking Strings is their beginning.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
March 8, 2026
I absolutely loved Rafe and Ollie and I need the rest of their story now, but I'll have to wait - Noooo
Basketball is so not my thing and most sports books I read are based around Ice hockey. Becca's basketball books are good though and always pull me in and make it seem like a way more interesting sport than I think it is.
I loved Rafe and his bandmates, and you could feel the frenetic energy of them as they stand on the brink of becoming something big. Rafe's love for Ollie is so big and consuming that it made my heart hurt every time he had to hold himself back to allow Ollie to set the pace as it was all new to him.
This book was from Rafe's POV so I don't know Ollie as well or understand his feelings or decisions just yet, but he just made me want to hug him and keep him from his awful parents! Ollie allowing Rafe into his life is such a huge deal for him, and I adored how he kept working hard to find ways for them to just spend time together and support each other in their dreams.
Vegas was such fun and perfectly written by Becca. Don't know if I can stand to read more about Ollie's horrible parents but there are so many surprises in store.
Basketball is so not my thing and most sports books I read are based around Ice hockey. Becca's basketball books are good though and always pull me in and make it seem like a way more interesting sport than I think it is.
I loved Rafe and his bandmates, and you could feel the frenetic energy of them as they stand on the brink of becoming something big. Rafe's love for Ollie is so big and consuming that it made my heart hurt every time he had to hold himself back to allow Ollie to set the pace as it was all new to him.
This book was from Rafe's POV so I don't know Ollie as well or understand his feelings or decisions just yet, but he just made me want to hug him and keep him from his awful parents! Ollie allowing Rafe into his life is such a huge deal for him, and I adored how he kept working hard to find ways for them to just spend time together and support each other in their dreams.
Vegas was such fun and perfectly written by Becca. Don't know if I can stand to read more about Ollie's horrible parents but there are so many surprises in store.
February 18, 2026
Arc Review
When Rafe Ortiz needs some inspiration to write a song for his band ‘Steel Saints’ he doesn't have to go far.
Oliver Marshall plays basketball for the college team, and is hoping to enter the draft soon. While in the corridors his eyes meet Rafe’s and immediately becomes his muse.
They become friends who become more, but it cannot become common knowledge.
Ollie’s parents expect a lot from him and hope he will get over his ‘phase’ of basketball.
Rafe has supportive parents who champion his dreams of becoming a rock star.
This is the first book in Becca Seymour’s Chords and Courts series.
It is told purely from Rafe’s point of view. This is a slow burn but it is so worth it.
The pining, wanting and love between the characters eminates off the page. Ollie is a lovely character but he lives in his parent’s shadow, and what they say goes, all he wants to do is to live his life under his terms. Rafe is the confidence he needs in his life.
The next book Shattered Hoops is Ollie’s story, but I have a feeling things will get worse before they get their HEA.
When Rafe Ortiz needs some inspiration to write a song for his band ‘Steel Saints’ he doesn't have to go far.
Oliver Marshall plays basketball for the college team, and is hoping to enter the draft soon. While in the corridors his eyes meet Rafe’s and immediately becomes his muse.
They become friends who become more, but it cannot become common knowledge.
Ollie’s parents expect a lot from him and hope he will get over his ‘phase’ of basketball.
Rafe has supportive parents who champion his dreams of becoming a rock star.
This is the first book in Becca Seymour’s Chords and Courts series.
It is told purely from Rafe’s point of view. This is a slow burn but it is so worth it.
The pining, wanting and love between the characters eminates off the page. Ollie is a lovely character but he lives in his parent’s shadow, and what they say goes, all he wants to do is to live his life under his terms. Rafe is the confidence he needs in his life.
The next book Shattered Hoops is Ollie’s story, but I have a feeling things will get worse before they get their HEA.
March 6, 2026
Oh my God! I wasn’t expecting things to unfold the way they did.
I’m so in love with Rafe and Ollie. I love how their relationship started. The little things here and there that slowly became so big.
Loved how Ollie became Rafe’s biggest muse and how they both found a way to support each other when they needed it most.
Rafe gave Ollie a safe space where he could be himself and forget about all the responsibilities thrust upon him. A space where he could be a regular 21 year old.
Their friendship was so beautiful and sweet. Them falling hard for each other was only a matter of time.
Seeing them become each other’s biggest fans was the best thing ever.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓈𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓈𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝒶𝓂.”
Thank you Becca for giving us a Latino MC. It makes me so happy to be represented in my favorite authors work. I feel seen and can relate so much. It means more than I can say.
Not happy about the cliffhanger though. I need part two yesterday! This story gave me a serious book hangover. I need more of my sweet boys🥺
I’m so in love with Rafe and Ollie. I love how their relationship started. The little things here and there that slowly became so big.
Loved how Ollie became Rafe’s biggest muse and how they both found a way to support each other when they needed it most.
Rafe gave Ollie a safe space where he could be himself and forget about all the responsibilities thrust upon him. A space where he could be a regular 21 year old.
Their friendship was so beautiful and sweet. Them falling hard for each other was only a matter of time.
Seeing them become each other’s biggest fans was the best thing ever.
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓈𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶𝓈𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝒶𝓂.”
Thank you Becca for giving us a Latino MC. It makes me so happy to be represented in my favorite authors work. I feel seen and can relate so much. It means more than I can say.
Not happy about the cliffhanger though. I need part two yesterday! This story gave me a serious book hangover. I need more of my sweet boys🥺
March 9, 2026
Ollie is the Captain of the college Basketball team with a family who doesn't want him to play. Rafe is a scholarship receiving, son of a Mexican immigrant who attends college, writes songs and plays in a band. Both have the talent inside them, feel it, but Ollie has so much outside pressure and opposition from his parents, he doesn't have any support except Rafe's. They both also feel each other, want what they can't have, want to be with each other. The book is intense, emotional, part of a trilogy and this part is HFN. I love both guys, their strengths and ethics and Rafe's band. I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.
March 12, 2026
Boy, was I disappointed when I realized the next book wasn't out yet! I loved everything about this story! The author does a fabulous job at mixing two different worlds. I normally don't go for rockstar books but when mixing it with basketball it works and it makes it very interesting. The love story within these pages is magnificent!
March 11, 2026
I rarely have liked both leads as much as I did in this book. Rafe’s POV and his lyrics were eloquent and kept me engrossed in the story even as I yearned for Oliie’s POV.
It’s been a long time since I’ve invested my energy’s in a trilogy all about one couple, but I look forward to more with Rafe and Ollie.
It’s been a long time since I’ve invested my energy’s in a trilogy all about one couple, but I look forward to more with Rafe and Ollie.
March 7, 2026
The book is written from Rafe's point of view. Because of that, I didn't get to know Ollie very well. Hopefully, that will change in the next book.
It's so wonderful to read that they support each other through thick and thin. That Rafe provides a safe haven for Ollie, and that Ollie, in turn, ensures that Rafe has found his muse in him.
I'm not a fan of open-ended endings and I'm curious to see what the next book will bring.
It's so wonderful to read that they support each other through thick and thin. That Rafe provides a safe haven for Ollie, and that Ollie, in turn, ensures that Rafe has found his muse in him.
I'm not a fan of open-ended endings and I'm curious to see what the next book will bring.
April 3, 2026
DNF @ 19%
Notes I took while reading:
Not a super big fan of how Rafe was seemingly able to intuit that Ollie was locked down and controlled after a single night of googling him. Sure, it seemed like a reasonable assumption but that's because we as readers know the character tropes whereas the characters themselves shouldn't. It unintentionally gave Rafe a "I think I know who you are despite never having met you" thing which is kinda cringe imo.
Also who the hell flinches when a guy looks at them? Rafe saying that "most people flinch" says more about him than it did other people. Literally giving psycho vibes which was probably not the intention.
How did Rafe know that the guys that came into the cafe were Ollie's friends just because they had big bodies and wore letterman jackets? They could've been any other athlete for other sports and even if they were in basketball, there was no guarantee that they hung out with Ollie. He should've said that he recognized them from the time he saw them with Ollie when he was walking or when he was working out, not because he heard them talking about some rando's birthday party.
Did I miss a conversation? How did Ollie know that Rafe "didn't even like basketball" when they met in the locker room after the game? How did he even know Rafe's name when they hadn't had a proper introduction?
Rafe being hypervigilant for Ollie was cute. It really helped sell an obsession growing.
The author really wanted us to know that Ollie's crew was friendly and not antagonistic by the way they literally wrote it out. We get it, they didn't mean to be mean, they were just benign. It would've been less jarring if the author had written the dialogue to be friendlier rather than having it be ambiguous then explicitly appending "they weren't mean about it!" every time.
Rafe spotting Ollie and his friends during his gig and somehow being able to clock what they were talking about while he was performing was very weird. Idk about their setup, but the fact that it was a small space and they were using amps (that Rafe himself said he barely turned down) should've made it impossible to hear anything besides their music.
Was I actually missing something or was the dialogue unnecessarily cryptic/disjointed in the scene where Ollie talks to Rafe after his set? What was Rafe saying "You pulled a stupid one from space last night. Rude." supposed to reference? Something about the basketball game from the night prior? What about Ollie saying "I'm supposed to... I don't know. Be here."? Why was he supposed to be there? Why did Rafe say it was annoying (jokingly)? What does "straight like a footnote" mean? Was it a simile implying that footnotes are somehow straight or was it meant to be a weird way of saying Ollie being heterosexual as additional info? It'd be weird if it was the former (because that literally doesn't make sense) but it's even weirder if it was the latter because why'd Rafe even need to add that "like a footnote" phrase at the end? Why does Rafe reply with "Habit's a hell of a drug" in response to Ollie saying "I don't really do bars." Ollie was just saying he wasn't used to the location, then Rafe randomly responds with an implication that bars are anonymous? What the hell was the throughline to that conversation?
I gave up when the mouthy friendly (because again, that needs to be made clear apparently) teammate straight up told Rafe that Ollie was straight, but also that Ollie liked music as if to encourage Rafe to pursue him. Ok? And wtf was this supposed to mean? "He likes music. Like actually listens. Don't know what that means. Just... you know." No. I don't know what that means either. What the hell was he trying to say? What doesn't he know about Ollie actually listening to music? What the hell does "actually" listening to music even mean in this context?
Idk, maybe I'm just completely missing something here, but almost none of that scene made any literal sense to me. There's the vibe that something clandestine is going on with Rafe and Ollie talking around their attraction and the friend saying he sees it (and both discouraging and seemingly also encouraging it) but the actual sentences don't seem to have a throughline. It wasn't a coherent conversation, they just seemed like a collection of words that just imply something with connotations and scene descriptions, but were meaningless when put together.
TL;DR: Some weird assumptions and scene weirdness in this book. I don't know if they're plotholes per se, but it felt like this author wrote scenes and forgot to include things that should've justified them (like Ollie knowing Rafe's name or knowing that he didn't like basketball). Generally wasn't a fan of things, but the band's gig at the bar actually got me to stop because it was just so weird (Rafe being able to hear the guys talking in the audience despite literally playing a song and the confusing conversation with Ollie afterwards). 1.5 stars rounded down.
Notes I took while reading:
Not a super big fan of how Rafe was seemingly able to intuit that Ollie was locked down and controlled after a single night of googling him. Sure, it seemed like a reasonable assumption but that's because we as readers know the character tropes whereas the characters themselves shouldn't. It unintentionally gave Rafe a "I think I know who you are despite never having met you" thing which is kinda cringe imo.
Also who the hell flinches when a guy looks at them? Rafe saying that "most people flinch" says more about him than it did other people. Literally giving psycho vibes which was probably not the intention.
How did Rafe know that the guys that came into the cafe were Ollie's friends just because they had big bodies and wore letterman jackets? They could've been any other athlete for other sports and even if they were in basketball, there was no guarantee that they hung out with Ollie. He should've said that he recognized them from the time he saw them with Ollie when he was walking or when he was working out, not because he heard them talking about some rando's birthday party.
Did I miss a conversation? How did Ollie know that Rafe "didn't even like basketball" when they met in the locker room after the game? How did he even know Rafe's name when they hadn't had a proper introduction?
Rafe being hypervigilant for Ollie was cute. It really helped sell an obsession growing.
The author really wanted us to know that Ollie's crew was friendly and not antagonistic by the way they literally wrote it out. We get it, they didn't mean to be mean, they were just benign. It would've been less jarring if the author had written the dialogue to be friendlier rather than having it be ambiguous then explicitly appending "they weren't mean about it!" every time.
Rafe spotting Ollie and his friends during his gig and somehow being able to clock what they were talking about while he was performing was very weird. Idk about their setup, but the fact that it was a small space and they were using amps (that Rafe himself said he barely turned down) should've made it impossible to hear anything besides their music.
Was I actually missing something or was the dialogue unnecessarily cryptic/disjointed in the scene where Ollie talks to Rafe after his set? What was Rafe saying "You pulled a stupid one from space last night. Rude." supposed to reference? Something about the basketball game from the night prior? What about Ollie saying "I'm supposed to... I don't know. Be here."? Why was he supposed to be there? Why did Rafe say it was annoying (jokingly)? What does "straight like a footnote" mean? Was it a simile implying that footnotes are somehow straight or was it meant to be a weird way of saying Ollie being heterosexual as additional info? It'd be weird if it was the former (because that literally doesn't make sense) but it's even weirder if it was the latter because why'd Rafe even need to add that "like a footnote" phrase at the end? Why does Rafe reply with "Habit's a hell of a drug" in response to Ollie saying "I don't really do bars." Ollie was just saying he wasn't used to the location, then Rafe randomly responds with an implication that bars are anonymous? What the hell was the throughline to that conversation?
I gave up when the mouthy friendly (because again, that needs to be made clear apparently) teammate straight up told Rafe that Ollie was straight, but also that Ollie liked music as if to encourage Rafe to pursue him. Ok? And wtf was this supposed to mean? "He likes music. Like actually listens. Don't know what that means. Just... you know." No. I don't know what that means either. What the hell was he trying to say? What doesn't he know about Ollie actually listening to music? What the hell does "actually" listening to music even mean in this context?
Idk, maybe I'm just completely missing something here, but almost none of that scene made any literal sense to me. There's the vibe that something clandestine is going on with Rafe and Ollie talking around their attraction and the friend saying he sees it (and both discouraging and seemingly also encouraging it) but the actual sentences don't seem to have a throughline. It wasn't a coherent conversation, they just seemed like a collection of words that just imply something with connotations and scene descriptions, but were meaningless when put together.
TL;DR: Some weird assumptions and scene weirdness in this book. I don't know if they're plotholes per se, but it felt like this author wrote scenes and forgot to include things that should've justified them (like Ollie knowing Rafe's name or knowing that he didn't like basketball). Generally wasn't a fan of things, but the band's gig at the bar actually got me to stop because it was just so weird (Rafe being able to hear the guys talking in the audience despite literally playing a song and the confusing conversation with Ollie afterwards). 1.5 stars rounded down.
March 11, 2026
4.25 stars
This is part one of a three book series called Chords and Courts and you should probably know that it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m pretty sure I knew that at one time but have to admit, I had forgotten. The writing’s already on the wall and I’m kinda wishing I had waited until the series was finished because my heart’s already trying to climb outta my chest from what I THINK is gonna happen! Thankfully each of the books are going to be released in three consecutive months so there’s not TOO awful long to wait but still, it’s painful having to wait to find out what happens.
This one was different from the other books I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed it but the differences kinda grabbed my attention. The sentences seemed to be tighter than usual and were more abrupt and chock full of metaphors. It kinda reminded me of some poetry I’d read, not that it WAS poetry but it had the same basic structure, like, at times, it seemed more like bullet points than actual sentences in a good portion of the book that I don’t remember reading from her before.
I think readers who love a good slow burn are gonna go out of their minds for this book but personally, I wish it hadn’t taken them so long. I get it though; Ollie, the Captain of the basketball team, was under enormous pressure from so many different directions (primarily his parents) and couldn’t acknowledge the way he was beginning to feel for Rafe, the frontman and songwriter for the Steel Saints, an up and coming college rock band.
I know I called this a cliffhanger but I guess, in the strictest sense, it’s really not. It actually ends with a natural break—nothing life altering—but I guess it’s the knowing, or at the very least, heavily suspecting, what’s coming that makes it feel like one. Even though I hate cliffhangers (or whatever you want to call it), I’m also halfway dreading the two remaining books, partly based on the way this type of storyline usually plays out but even more so because of the title and tiny blurb we got for book three. I know if it’s even HALF the heartbreaker I think it’s gonna be, I don’t know if my poor heart can take it! Either way, I can already tell it’s not a series I’ll be able to forget any time soon. Check it out for yourself, I think you might fall as much in love with our MCs as I did. 4.25 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part one of a three book series called Chords and Courts and you should probably know that it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m pretty sure I knew that at one time but have to admit, I had forgotten. The writing’s already on the wall and I’m kinda wishing I had waited until the series was finished because my heart’s already trying to climb outta my chest from what I THINK is gonna happen! Thankfully each of the books are going to be released in three consecutive months so there’s not TOO awful long to wait but still, it’s painful having to wait to find out what happens.
This one was different from the other books I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed it but the differences kinda grabbed my attention. The sentences seemed to be tighter than usual and were more abrupt and chock full of metaphors. It kinda reminded me of some poetry I’d read, not that it WAS poetry but it had the same basic structure, like, at times, it seemed more like bullet points than actual sentences in a good portion of the book that I don’t remember reading from her before.
I think readers who love a good slow burn are gonna go out of their minds for this book but personally, I wish it hadn’t taken them so long. I get it though; Ollie, the Captain of the basketball team, was under enormous pressure from so many different directions (primarily his parents) and couldn’t acknowledge the way he was beginning to feel for Rafe, the frontman and songwriter for the Steel Saints, an up and coming college rock band.
I know I called this a cliffhanger but I guess, in the strictest sense, it’s really not. It actually ends with a natural break—nothing life altering—but I guess it’s the knowing, or at the very least, heavily suspecting, what’s coming that makes it feel like one. Even though I hate cliffhangers (or whatever you want to call it), I’m also halfway dreading the two remaining books, partly based on the way this type of storyline usually plays out but even more so because of the title and tiny blurb we got for book three. I know if it’s even HALF the heartbreaker I think it’s gonna be, I don’t know if my poor heart can take it! Either way, I can already tell it’s not a series I’ll be able to forget any time soon. Check it out for yourself, I think you might fall as much in love with our MCs as I did. 4.25 stars
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely LOVED Rafe and Ollie and I can't wait to get the rest of their story, but I have this feeling that it's going to break my heart completely before the final part of their trilogy!
So, weirdly I don't actually like basketball because for me it seems like the dude's are SO tall that they take three steps and they've crossed the court (I'm more of a giant AFL oval fan!) BUT Becca's basketball books always pull me in and make it seem like a way more interesting and entertaining sport! Becca is literally the only author who makes basketball romance something that I really want to read as soon as the book is available.
I loved Rafe and his bandmates and you could feel the frenetic energy of them as they stand on the brink of becoming something big. Rafe's love for Ollie is so big and all consuming that it made my heart hurt everytime he had to hold himself back for Ollie's sake.
Obviously this book was from Rafe's POV so I don't know Ollie as well or understand his feelings or decisions just yet, but he just made me want to hug him and get him away from his awful parents! Ollie allowing Rafe into his life is such a huge deal for him, and I adored how he kept working hard to find ways for them to just spend time together and support each other in their dreams.
I loved the whole Vegas part but I do feel like I'm going to get sucker punched in the next book which is from Ollie's POV. I'm anticipating that heartbreak is coming, and I already wish Ollie's parents would disappear in a permanent way so that Rafe and Ollie can just be....
Ugh, bring on the next book!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
So, weirdly I don't actually like basketball because for me it seems like the dude's are SO tall that they take three steps and they've crossed the court (I'm more of a giant AFL oval fan!) BUT Becca's basketball books always pull me in and make it seem like a way more interesting and entertaining sport! Becca is literally the only author who makes basketball romance something that I really want to read as soon as the book is available.
I loved Rafe and his bandmates and you could feel the frenetic energy of them as they stand on the brink of becoming something big. Rafe's love for Ollie is so big and all consuming that it made my heart hurt everytime he had to hold himself back for Ollie's sake.
Obviously this book was from Rafe's POV so I don't know Ollie as well or understand his feelings or decisions just yet, but he just made me want to hug him and get him away from his awful parents! Ollie allowing Rafe into his life is such a huge deal for him, and I adored how he kept working hard to find ways for them to just spend time together and support each other in their dreams.
I loved the whole Vegas part but I do feel like I'm going to get sucker punched in the next book which is from Ollie's POV. I'm anticipating that heartbreak is coming, and I already wish Ollie's parents would disappear in a permanent way so that Rafe and Ollie can just be....
Ugh, bring on the next book!!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
May 1, 2026
There are books you enjoy, and then there are books you FEEL … the kind that wrap themselves around your heart and refuse to let go. I didn’t just read this story … I devoured it, lived it and carried it with me long before book 2 was released.
This novel shows a beautifully layered relationship between Rafe and Ollie, and how it naturally unfolds so beautifully. Nothing about their connection feels rushed or forced … instead it builds in quiet meaningful moments … shared glances … hesitant conversations and the slow realisation that what they have is something rare and powerful.
There is a vulnerability to both of them, but it manifested differently, having this push and pull dynamic that keeps us emotionally invested. You can feel how this isn’t just physical … it’s emotional, intellectual and deeply caring … they see each other even when trying not to.
It’s the secrecy that adds a constant undercurrent of tension, moments of happiness are tinged with the fear of discovery… a weight that is almost unbearable…it’s the weight of not being able to fully claim each other that hits hard. The internal battle of not being able to love openly is a huge strain on them.
Despite the obstacles, despite the fear and the heartbreak, what they share is unwavering. Their love is steady, consuming and profoundly moving. This journey isn’t easy, but it’s real, and as a reader you will feel all the highs and lows deeply.
This is a book I wish I could read again for the first time, it put me through the wringer, I smiled, I ached and I held my breath, and I desperately need Shattered Hoops.
Five star read for me!
This novel shows a beautifully layered relationship between Rafe and Ollie, and how it naturally unfolds so beautifully. Nothing about their connection feels rushed or forced … instead it builds in quiet meaningful moments … shared glances … hesitant conversations and the slow realisation that what they have is something rare and powerful.
There is a vulnerability to both of them, but it manifested differently, having this push and pull dynamic that keeps us emotionally invested. You can feel how this isn’t just physical … it’s emotional, intellectual and deeply caring … they see each other even when trying not to.
It’s the secrecy that adds a constant undercurrent of tension, moments of happiness are tinged with the fear of discovery… a weight that is almost unbearable…it’s the weight of not being able to fully claim each other that hits hard. The internal battle of not being able to love openly is a huge strain on them.
Despite the obstacles, despite the fear and the heartbreak, what they share is unwavering. Their love is steady, consuming and profoundly moving. This journey isn’t easy, but it’s real, and as a reader you will feel all the highs and lows deeply.
This is a book I wish I could read again for the first time, it put me through the wringer, I smiled, I ached and I held my breath, and I desperately need Shattered Hoops.
Five star read for me!
March 8, 2026
Breaking Strings – Book 1 in the Chords and Court Series by Becca Seymour
This is the first book in a trilogy that follows Rafe and Oliver as they navigate college life, music, basketball, and a secret relationship while in their early twenties.
Rafe is the tattooed bass player and lead singer of a band made up of his college best friends, all chasing their dream of making it big in the music world. Oliver, on the other hand, is the captain of the college basketball team. He comes from a very conservative family and is determined to make it to the professional leagues so he can avoid being forced into working in his father’s business.
When chaos-loving Rafe sees beyond the carefully constructed façade Oliver presents to the world, their connection begins to grow into something deeper. What follows is a sensual slow-burn romance filled with tension, longing, and emotional vulnerability.
I was hooked from the very start. The characters are incredibly likeable, and the dynamic between Rafe and Oliver is both engaging and believable. The songwriting woven throughout the narrative adds a seductive and lyrical layer to the story that really enhances the emotional depth of the book.
The story ends with a satisfying HFN while also giving readers a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come in book two. It’s beautifully written and strikes the perfect balance between the romance and the professional ambitions of both characters.
Overall, this was a very entertaining and engaging read that left me excited to continue Rafe and Oliver’s journey in the next instalment.
This is the first book in a trilogy that follows Rafe and Oliver as they navigate college life, music, basketball, and a secret relationship while in their early twenties.
Rafe is the tattooed bass player and lead singer of a band made up of his college best friends, all chasing their dream of making it big in the music world. Oliver, on the other hand, is the captain of the college basketball team. He comes from a very conservative family and is determined to make it to the professional leagues so he can avoid being forced into working in his father’s business.
When chaos-loving Rafe sees beyond the carefully constructed façade Oliver presents to the world, their connection begins to grow into something deeper. What follows is a sensual slow-burn romance filled with tension, longing, and emotional vulnerability.
I was hooked from the very start. The characters are incredibly likeable, and the dynamic between Rafe and Oliver is both engaging and believable. The songwriting woven throughout the narrative adds a seductive and lyrical layer to the story that really enhances the emotional depth of the book.
The story ends with a satisfying HFN while also giving readers a tantalising glimpse of what’s to come in book two. It’s beautifully written and strikes the perfect balance between the romance and the professional ambitions of both characters.
Overall, this was a very entertaining and engaging read that left me excited to continue Rafe and Oliver’s journey in the next instalment.
April 12, 2026
Review for (Chords & Courts-1) Breaking Strings by Becca Seymour
I have to say I really enjoyed this book and was so happy to see that it's part of a series. Becca Seymour is a newer author for me, so I wasn't sure what I would feel going into this story. I knew the story sounded good, so I had high hopes. I am so happy I went ahead and got this book to read. I am a lover of music and music group an anyone in the limelight stories. This story is about Oliver, who most feel is a basketball god. What so many others have no clue is that most people who are put on a pedestal are hurt souls out of the limelight or not as happy as they seem. I loved this about this story. We see the nitty-gritty of what life can be like for them in real life. If that isn't bad enough, he feels he needs to portray this due to his parents' expecting perfection, and most children can't fill that void that his parents put out there. I felt like giving Oliver a big hug. Then there is Rafe, who has people depending on him also. He has a band depending on him. So you have two men who have so many depending on what they do with their lives and are struggling due to this. Put them together and let's see what happens. I loved the way this author portrayed this story of these two men and the ones around them. I had to see how this author wrote their story, and I wasn't sorry. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Nicole Harvey
I have to say I really enjoyed this book and was so happy to see that it's part of a series. Becca Seymour is a newer author for me, so I wasn't sure what I would feel going into this story. I knew the story sounded good, so I had high hopes. I am so happy I went ahead and got this book to read. I am a lover of music and music group an anyone in the limelight stories. This story is about Oliver, who most feel is a basketball god. What so many others have no clue is that most people who are put on a pedestal are hurt souls out of the limelight or not as happy as they seem. I loved this about this story. We see the nitty-gritty of what life can be like for them in real life. If that isn't bad enough, he feels he needs to portray this due to his parents' expecting perfection, and most children can't fill that void that his parents put out there. I felt like giving Oliver a big hug. Then there is Rafe, who has people depending on him also. He has a band depending on him. So you have two men who have so many depending on what they do with their lives and are struggling due to this. Put them together and let's see what happens. I loved the way this author portrayed this story of these two men and the ones around them. I had to see how this author wrote their story, and I wasn't sorry. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Nicole Harvey
March 9, 2026
4.25 Stars!
Breaking Strings is the first book in this new trilogy by Becca Seymour, which follows the same couple. This installment is told from Rafe's POV.
Rafe is the bisexual frontman/bassist of Steel Saints, the band he's formed with his three college friends/roommates, and they're on the verge of maybe being discovered. While at the same time, Rafe has found his muse, Ollie, the college's team captain, who has captured his attention ever since their gazes crossed. Only Ollie is straight, no matter if the way he blushes when they see each other might hint otherwise, or is he?
I enjoyed reading about Rafe and his band and how Ollie and he finally met and how they became friends and more. I felt for Ollie and how he had to hide so much of himself from everyone, and how he could only be himself with Rafe. I loved that the guys in the band knew about them, even if Rafe and Ollie thought they were being so sneaky, LOL.
And that trip to Vegas! OMG, it was everything!
I can't wait to read the next installment and see what will happen now, and how they will deal with all that is happening in their lives. Very recommendable, just keep in mind that this is a trilogy and it won't end until book three.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Breaking Strings is the first book in this new trilogy by Becca Seymour, which follows the same couple. This installment is told from Rafe's POV.
Rafe is the bisexual frontman/bassist of Steel Saints, the band he's formed with his three college friends/roommates, and they're on the verge of maybe being discovered. While at the same time, Rafe has found his muse, Ollie, the college's team captain, who has captured his attention ever since their gazes crossed. Only Ollie is straight, no matter if the way he blushes when they see each other might hint otherwise, or is he?
I enjoyed reading about Rafe and his band and how Ollie and he finally met and how they became friends and more. I felt for Ollie and how he had to hide so much of himself from everyone, and how he could only be himself with Rafe. I loved that the guys in the band knew about them, even if Rafe and Ollie thought they were being so sneaky, LOL.
And that trip to Vegas! OMG, it was everything!
I can't wait to read the next installment and see what will happen now, and how they will deal with all that is happening in their lives. Very recommendable, just keep in mind that this is a trilogy and it won't end until book three.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 9, 2026
Rafe’s rising music career keeps getting overshadowed by one person — Oliver, the star basketball captain he shares a secret, irresistible connection with. Both have reputations and futures at stake, but walking away feels impossible. When March Madness and a major showcase collide, their hidden relationship reaches a breaking point, forcing them to choose between love, legacy, and the truth that could either break them or bind them even tighter.
A powerful, emotional story about two men from completely different worlds who can’t help but be drawn to each other. Rafe and Oliver face their own pressures — the music grind for one, the spotlight of college basketball for the other — yet they still manage to support each other in every stolen moment they can find. Their love is all‑consuming, intense, and impossible to ignore, even as they hide it from everyone around them. I especially loved how Rafe channels his feelings into his music, making Oliver his muse in a way that feels raw and honest, while Oliver struggles to keep his emotions buried under the weight of expectations. The side characters and the world around them add depth without overshadowing their connection. A beautifully written, deeply felt romance about desire, secrecy, and the kind of love that refuses to stay quiet. This is an MM story with mature content.
A powerful, emotional story about two men from completely different worlds who can’t help but be drawn to each other. Rafe and Oliver face their own pressures — the music grind for one, the spotlight of college basketball for the other — yet they still manage to support each other in every stolen moment they can find. Their love is all‑consuming, intense, and impossible to ignore, even as they hide it from everyone around them. I especially loved how Rafe channels his feelings into his music, making Oliver his muse in a way that feels raw and honest, while Oliver struggles to keep his emotions buried under the weight of expectations. The side characters and the world around them add depth without overshadowing their connection. A beautifully written, deeply felt romance about desire, secrecy, and the kind of love that refuses to stay quiet. This is an MM story with mature content.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
First in a series, this is Rafe, the musician, and Oliver, the basketball player's romance
Yes, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger - a Happy for Now, but it's suggested that we'll get the HEA by book 3.
Both Rafe and Oliver are poised to get their big breaks. Rafe's band is getting to play some good locations & getting starting to get noticed by music execs, and Oliver is doing really well in basketball - well enough that he's expecting to be drafted before graduation. Oliver's parents are highly religious, don't care much about basketball, and expect him to run the family business. Rafe's parents are 100% behind him in his music career. The 2 pass in a hallway, lock eyes, and it's instant attraction. Oliver becomes Rafe's inspiration for his new songs, and later his lover.
They have a long road to go before they can actually be together full time, but at least they're still in the same city by the end of the book.
This is a low drama romance in that the 2 mains don't fight or question each other - once they decide they're in love, they're committed. The drama is family drama and drama around getting music contracts/drafted. Medium spice.
Looking forward to book #2.
Yes, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger - a Happy for Now, but it's suggested that we'll get the HEA by book 3.
Both Rafe and Oliver are poised to get their big breaks. Rafe's band is getting to play some good locations & getting starting to get noticed by music execs, and Oliver is doing really well in basketball - well enough that he's expecting to be drafted before graduation. Oliver's parents are highly religious, don't care much about basketball, and expect him to run the family business. Rafe's parents are 100% behind him in his music career. The 2 pass in a hallway, lock eyes, and it's instant attraction. Oliver becomes Rafe's inspiration for his new songs, and later his lover.
They have a long road to go before they can actually be together full time, but at least they're still in the same city by the end of the book.
This is a low drama romance in that the 2 mains don't fight or question each other - once they decide they're in love, they're committed. The drama is family drama and drama around getting music contracts/drafted. Medium spice.
Looking forward to book #2.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
*Breaking Strings (Chords & Courts)** is a captivating trilogy by Becca Seymour, telling a beautiful story about two young men on different paths.
Oliver Marshall is a college basketball player with dreams of making it to the professional league. On the other hand, Rafe Ortiz is a musician searching for inspiration for his band, “Steel Saints.” When Rafe first sees Oliver, he instantly knows that Oliver will be his source of inspiration.
As they become friends, a special bond forms between them that they must keep under wraps. Their relationship is tender, filled with understanding and warmth, and the author describes it so vividly that you can practically see it unfold. The story is told from Rafe's perspective, making the slow-burn romance feel all the more rewarding.
The energy from Rafe and his band is infectious, and the love he feels for Oliver is deep and all-consuming. Their journey to Las Vegas is full of laughter and tears—so much so that I can't wait to read the next book!
There's a lot of longing between Rafe and Oliver, but the story is refreshingly free from drama. Rafe’s confidence contrasts beautifully with Oliver's charming innocence, making their connection even more engaging. I highly recommend this trilogy for anyone seeking a heartfelt read.
Oliver Marshall is a college basketball player with dreams of making it to the professional league. On the other hand, Rafe Ortiz is a musician searching for inspiration for his band, “Steel Saints.” When Rafe first sees Oliver, he instantly knows that Oliver will be his source of inspiration.
As they become friends, a special bond forms between them that they must keep under wraps. Their relationship is tender, filled with understanding and warmth, and the author describes it so vividly that you can practically see it unfold. The story is told from Rafe's perspective, making the slow-burn romance feel all the more rewarding.
The energy from Rafe and his band is infectious, and the love he feels for Oliver is deep and all-consuming. Their journey to Las Vegas is full of laughter and tears—so much so that I can't wait to read the next book!
There's a lot of longing between Rafe and Oliver, but the story is refreshingly free from drama. Rafe’s confidence contrasts beautifully with Oliver's charming innocence, making their connection even more engaging. I highly recommend this trilogy for anyone seeking a heartfelt read.
March 4, 2026
🏀🎸Found it was not really my thing🤔
3-3.5🌟 stars
I've read some by this author that I liked better; she's a good writer who definitely has a knack for conveying feelings and getting the reader drawn into the drama. But I found the single POV of Rafe, the young college musician, somewhat limiting; I wanted to know his basketball star boyfriend Oliver's story from his own point of view. I guess the second book will do that but I don't like having to wait! Oliver was the character I was drawn to because of his difficult situation, with parents who have high expectations that do not jive at all with what he wants out of life. Sad that he hides his so much from them and his teammates and I'd have liked a better understanding of why he is so certain that he must remain closeted.
This novel, besides the secret MM relationship, focuses heavily on a college rock band's daily life and their striving for the big break on a road to fame and success; that was not something I expected and, for me, this aspect was too dominant in the plot. Not something I usually look for and of limited interest to me, a singularly unmusical reader🙁.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3-3.5🌟 stars
I've read some by this author that I liked better; she's a good writer who definitely has a knack for conveying feelings and getting the reader drawn into the drama. But I found the single POV of Rafe, the young college musician, somewhat limiting; I wanted to know his basketball star boyfriend Oliver's story from his own point of view. I guess the second book will do that but I don't like having to wait! Oliver was the character I was drawn to because of his difficult situation, with parents who have high expectations that do not jive at all with what he wants out of life. Sad that he hides his so much from them and his teammates and I'd have liked a better understanding of why he is so certain that he must remain closeted.
This novel, besides the secret MM relationship, focuses heavily on a college rock band's daily life and their striving for the big break on a road to fame and success; that was not something I expected and, for me, this aspect was too dominant in the plot. Not something I usually look for and of limited interest to me, a singularly unmusical reader🙁.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
March 17, 2026
Breaking Strings by Becca Seymour was such a great start to this series and now I’m desperate for more.
Rafe is loud, creative, and all in on his music and his band, while Ollie is the responsible, golden boy basketball captain dealing with pressure from his conservative family and still very much in the closet. When they notice each other, the connection is instant—but navigating it is anything but easy.
I loved Rafe. His energy, his passion for music, and the way he feels everything so deeply made him such a compelling POV. His love for Ollie was huge, and honestly, it hurt seeing him hold back so Ollie could move at his own pace.
Ollie broke my heart a little. We only get Rafe’s perspective in this book, so there’s still a lot we don’t fully see, but you can feel how much Ollie is struggling. The way he slowly lets Rafe into his life and tries to carve out space for them was really sweet.
I’m not usually into basketball romances, but this completely pulled me in. The band dynamic, the tension, the stolen moments—it all worked so well. And Vegas? So fun.
This is very much part one of their story, and I am so ready for Ollie’s POV next because I need to understand him more.
Rafe is loud, creative, and all in on his music and his band, while Ollie is the responsible, golden boy basketball captain dealing with pressure from his conservative family and still very much in the closet. When they notice each other, the connection is instant—but navigating it is anything but easy.
I loved Rafe. His energy, his passion for music, and the way he feels everything so deeply made him such a compelling POV. His love for Ollie was huge, and honestly, it hurt seeing him hold back so Ollie could move at his own pace.
Ollie broke my heart a little. We only get Rafe’s perspective in this book, so there’s still a lot we don’t fully see, but you can feel how much Ollie is struggling. The way he slowly lets Rafe into his life and tries to carve out space for them was really sweet.
I’m not usually into basketball romances, but this completely pulled me in. The band dynamic, the tension, the stolen moments—it all worked so well. And Vegas? So fun.
This is very much part one of their story, and I am so ready for Ollie’s POV next because I need to understand him more.
April 20, 2026
Chords & Courts Book 1 of the trilogy.
This was an emotional steamy ride. Wow, the slow-burn build was worth the wait because it was so HOT! Rafe and Ollie's story is full of so much delicious yearning and passion. They are both young and chasing their dreams while also falling in love and learning how to find balance while exploring their sexuality and dynamic. From their first interaction, you could feel the sparks. They seem so different but really have such a deep connection. That fist kiss...I was hanging on every word. They are both genuinely sweet guys, and I really loved how their story developed without too much angst ending in a HFN. This book was told from Rafe's POV, so I'm curious if we get Ollie's POV next.
I'm looking foward to the next two books continuing Rafe and Ollie's story, though I have a feeling there's going to be some major heartache ahead but I'm here for it to get to their hard earned HEA.
Tropes:
Athlete + Artist
One night stand
Slow-burn
Secret relationship
Opposites attract
Thank you, GRR and Becca Seymour, for the opportunity to read this book.
This was an emotional steamy ride. Wow, the slow-burn build was worth the wait because it was so HOT! Rafe and Ollie's story is full of so much delicious yearning and passion. They are both young and chasing their dreams while also falling in love and learning how to find balance while exploring their sexuality and dynamic. From their first interaction, you could feel the sparks. They seem so different but really have such a deep connection. That fist kiss...I was hanging on every word. They are both genuinely sweet guys, and I really loved how their story developed without too much angst ending in a HFN. This book was told from Rafe's POV, so I'm curious if we get Ollie's POV next.
I'm looking foward to the next two books continuing Rafe and Ollie's story, though I have a feeling there's going to be some major heartache ahead but I'm here for it to get to their hard earned HEA.
Tropes:
Athlete + Artist
One night stand
Slow-burn
Secret relationship
Opposites attract
Thank you, GRR and Becca Seymour, for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First in trilogy series (Chords & Courts). Secret relationship. Found family. Slow burn. Single POV.
Rafe is a musician with a band waiting for its big break when he crosses paths with the campus basketball star that’s also on the road to becoming famous. What starts as mutual interest and friendship builds into stolen moments and shared dreams.
The lyrical and emotional writing in this book definitely lends itself to the dreamy sort of romance story where two people find each other and it lights up everything in their lives. Between Ollie and Rafe there is no angst, but outside obstacles have them meeting in secret and Ollie’s family is a big part of that problem. When they are on page together they are sweet, Rafe with his quiet confidence and Ollie with his innocent charm, and I really appreciated that they both were each other's biggest supporters. Luckily they are surrounded by supportive friends, and both Ollie and Rafe push each other to believe that they can have it all and a future together. HFN as the trilogy continues. 4.25
Rafe is a musician with a band waiting for its big break when he crosses paths with the campus basketball star that’s also on the road to becoming famous. What starts as mutual interest and friendship builds into stolen moments and shared dreams.
The lyrical and emotional writing in this book definitely lends itself to the dreamy sort of romance story where two people find each other and it lights up everything in their lives. Between Ollie and Rafe there is no angst, but outside obstacles have them meeting in secret and Ollie’s family is a big part of that problem. When they are on page together they are sweet, Rafe with his quiet confidence and Ollie with his innocent charm, and I really appreciated that they both were each other's biggest supporters. Luckily they are surrounded by supportive friends, and both Ollie and Rafe push each other to believe that they can have it all and a future together. HFN as the trilogy continues. 4.25
March 7, 2026
✨ Heated Rivalry done? Next read can be Breaking Strings by Becca Seymour ✨
✨ Rafe is a bi, band lead singer. He has found a muse - Oliver, the university's goldenboy basketball player. Breaking strings is their story of exploring love.
✨ Things I liked -
💜 The longing / yearning
💜 Rafe being patient and giving Ollie his space to explore his sexuality
💜 Rafe's self confidence
💜 Their respective friend circles
💜 Their passion for their careers
✨ Things I didn't like that much -
-Could have a little bit more drama
-Ended on a cliffhanger (the real drama and conflict will be in book 2)
✨ Go for it. I am excited for the next book too
✨ Tropes
💕 MM Romance
💕 Music x Basketball
💕 Single POV
✨ Author - @authorbeccaseymour
✨ Release date - 5th March 2026 (sequel coming up next month)
✨ Thank you so much @hottreepublishing for this gifted copy in return of an honest review
✨ Also can we appreciate the outdoor book pic. It was sunny and dry after 2 months 😭 🌞
#bookstagram #bookrecs #bookreview
#mmromancebooks #simplyvaish
✨ Rafe is a bi, band lead singer. He has found a muse - Oliver, the university's goldenboy basketball player. Breaking strings is their story of exploring love.
✨ Things I liked -
💜 The longing / yearning
💜 Rafe being patient and giving Ollie his space to explore his sexuality
💜 Rafe's self confidence
💜 Their respective friend circles
💜 Their passion for their careers
✨ Things I didn't like that much -
-Could have a little bit more drama
-Ended on a cliffhanger (the real drama and conflict will be in book 2)
✨ Go for it. I am excited for the next book too
✨ Tropes
💕 MM Romance
💕 Music x Basketball
💕 Single POV
✨ Author - @authorbeccaseymour
✨ Release date - 5th March 2026 (sequel coming up next month)
✨ Thank you so much @hottreepublishing for this gifted copy in return of an honest review
✨ Also can we appreciate the outdoor book pic. It was sunny and dry after 2 months 😭 🌞
#bookstagram #bookrecs #bookreview
#mmromancebooks #simplyvaish
March 11, 2026
This is a great start to a new series by Becca Seymour. While this is not a love at first sight story. It is definitely an attraction/muse at first sight when Ollie and Rafe cross paths at college. Rafe is the front man for the Steel Saints band who is at college on a music scholarship. While Ollie is the star athlete who is not only the captain of the basketball team but also wealthy and straight. Except there is a pretty blush that covers his cheeks whenever he locks eyes with Rafe.
This is such a well-done story about two guys from completely different worlds who find friendship, support, and a loving relationship with each other. The story is completely from Rafe’s point of view, while book two in the series will be from Ollie’s.
I admit I am not usually a fan of books that are in a series but I am looking forward to reading the continuation of this story because I enjoyed the characters so much. I also liked the band members mentioned in the band a lot and I hope they get their own books in the future.
This is such a well-done story about two guys from completely different worlds who find friendship, support, and a loving relationship with each other. The story is completely from Rafe’s point of view, while book two in the series will be from Ollie’s.
I admit I am not usually a fan of books that are in a series but I am looking forward to reading the continuation of this story because I enjoyed the characters so much. I also liked the band members mentioned in the band a lot and I hope they get their own books in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brilliant, loved it 🥰 .
This is the first in a trilogy following Rafe and Oliver as they navigate college, music, basketball and a secret relationship whilst in their early 20’s. Rafe is the tattooed bass player/lead singer of a band of college best friends trying to make it to the big time. Oliver is the captain of the basketball team, comes from a very conservative family and just wants to play pro basketball and not work in his father’s business. The chaos loving Rafe sees beyond the facade that Oliver presents to the world and the first part of their story ends with a satisfying HFN and a quick look at what’s to come in book 2. This engaging and very entertaining read had me hooked from the start due to the very likeable characters, the seductive yet lyrical songwriting included in the narrative and a sensual slow burn with a delightful twist at the end. It is beautifully written with the perfect balance between the romance and the professional ambitions of Rafe and Oliver.
This is the first in a trilogy following Rafe and Oliver as they navigate college, music, basketball and a secret relationship whilst in their early 20’s. Rafe is the tattooed bass player/lead singer of a band of college best friends trying to make it to the big time. Oliver is the captain of the basketball team, comes from a very conservative family and just wants to play pro basketball and not work in his father’s business. The chaos loving Rafe sees beyond the facade that Oliver presents to the world and the first part of their story ends with a satisfying HFN and a quick look at what’s to come in book 2. This engaging and very entertaining read had me hooked from the start due to the very likeable characters, the seductive yet lyrical songwriting included in the narrative and a sensual slow burn with a delightful twist at the end. It is beautifully written with the perfect balance between the romance and the professional ambitions of Rafe and Oliver.
April 25, 2026
This is an opposites attract college romance, featuring Rafe and Ollie, and is book one in the Chords and Courts trilogy.
Rafe can’t stop writing songs about Ollie, the perfect basketball captain he’s secretly involved with. When big opportunities come up, they must choose between their future goals or being together.
I kind of dived into this one without knowing much about it. I really enjoyed it, you can imagine my surprise when I realise it is a trilogy. Not complaining that I’ll get two more books about these two.
I loved the connection Rafe and Ollie have, they are completely drawn to eachother. Was surprised by the Vegas shenanigans and it’s got me thinking, what the heck is going to happen in book two and three - bring it on!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in trilogy
MM college romance
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Basketball player x musician
Insta-attraction
Finds his muse
Flirting
Closeted MC
Family pressure
Spicy times
First times
Secret relationship
Vegas shenanigans
Found family
HFN
Cliffhanger
Rafe can’t stop writing songs about Ollie, the perfect basketball captain he’s secretly involved with. When big opportunities come up, they must choose between their future goals or being together.
I kind of dived into this one without knowing much about it. I really enjoyed it, you can imagine my surprise when I realise it is a trilogy. Not complaining that I’ll get two more books about these two.
I loved the connection Rafe and Ollie have, they are completely drawn to eachother. Was surprised by the Vegas shenanigans and it’s got me thinking, what the heck is going to happen in book two and three - bring it on!
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in trilogy
MM college romance
Slow burn
Opposites attract
Basketball player x musician
Insta-attraction
Finds his muse
Flirting
Closeted MC
Family pressure
Spicy times
First times
Secret relationship
Vegas shenanigans
Found family
HFN
Cliffhanger
Review of advance copy
Breaking Strings was an absolute revelation, and I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars. Becca Seymour perfectly captured the exquisite torture of wanting something impossible, of dancing on a knife edge of desire and obsession. Every nuanced breath between Rafe and Ollie felt pivotal, momentous, and I was rapt, caught up in the spell the author cast. Every line of this story ached in the best possible way. The author's prose ventured into unexpected, lyrical (pun intended) phrasing that held my interest completely; I wanted to rush to finish the story while at the same time slowing down to make it last. And the climax of the book took me completely by surprise. Beautifully done in every way. I simply cannot wait for the remaining two books in this series as these fascinating men move from HFN to their HEA. Highest recommendation!
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