So let me start by saying… this one is on me a little bit 😅
I went into The Next Verse not realizing that Zay and Princess had already been introduced in another book, so I felt like I got dropped right into the middle of their story with no context. I was reading like wait… what did I miss? That’s the risk you take when you don’t read reviews first.
Even with that confusion, I still had a pretty good time. The chemistry was there and I could tell there was history between them, I just didn’t fully have the background to appreciate it the way I should have.
Because of that, I’m definitely going back to read where we first meet them so I can get the full experience.
Overall, solid read… I just needed the prequel energy first. (3/5)
The next verse was a great standalone! The loss of a loved one and then be subjected to abuse will take a toll on anyone. Zay became a stronger person after all he's been through, but he still hadn't dealt with his trauma in a healthy way. Zay was able to become grounded once he found out he had a teenage child with his first love Princess. Finding the next verse is more or less becoming a new version of yourself!
I’m soooo glad we got a follow up about them. The growth and healing was everything. Despite the rumors and foolish stepdad Zay finally got have his HEA and the life he truly deserved. He needed happiness and the next verse in his song of life to be soft, loving, and peaceful. Great story.
Zay's trauma was real. All he knew how to do was run away and drown himself in his music. He never stayed until he couldn't run anymore. I was so proud of his growth and his declaration of "I'm not like him". It took a lot of chaos and confusion to get him there, but he got there.