High Note

by K.M. Neuhold

We couldn't be more different, but Lyric has always been the one that got away. My first love. My High Note.

After 8 years solving the mysteries of the universe as a nuclear physicist, I burnt out. I needed a break, and spending a summer as a bartender on Palm Island sounded like the perfect cure.

I expected the wild parties, strong drinks, and loose dress code. What I didn't expect was to step off the ferry and see the man I let get away nearly a decade ago.

Lyric and I couldn't be more different. I'm an introvert, he's always the life of the party. I'm lost in my own head, he's content to live in the moment without overthinking anything. He hasn’t thought about me, but I never stopped thinking about him.

Finding him here feels like fate. It feels like a second chance, I’m just not sure he wants one.

Good thing Palm Island is starting to grow on me with all of its long, hot nights and quirky locals because I don’t think I can leave without seeing if there could be anything left between us, and it’s starting to look like I might be stuck here for a while…

Genres: LGBT, Second Chance, Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 4, 2026

About the author

K.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.

Reviews

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book to add to the collection of a series of books that I hold so near and dear to my heart! I feel like I’ve waited for Lyrics story forever and it did NOT disappoint! These two are true soulmates. FULL RTC.

———————————————

If you’ve read Palm Island up til now you know we have ALL been waiting for Lyrics story! The super chill, super stoned, super forgetful golden retriever of the island. Does he ever have a job? What does he do for money? Why does he never have shoes on? Where are his clothes?! All these questions are answered in High Note!

When Yuri leaves his life behind and wants to start new and try something outside of his comfort zone the only place that seemed fitting was Palm Island. His life is bland, predictable, and he felt stuck. So, he gets on that ferry.. and once he steps off he’s immediately thrown right back to 8 years ago when “the one who got away” is standing right in front of him.

Lyric is determined to just let Yuri figure himself out. He’s not here to mess up his plans. He can be chill.. it’s all totally chill. Like super chill.. right?

These two quote literally were two magnets who couldn’t stay away from one another if they tried. They fall right back in to the normalcy and comfortability they felt around each other all those years ago, and they both quickly remember how much fun they had together.

Lyric is worried Yuri will leave again and he’ll be left heartbroken, and Yuri wants Lyric to ask him to stay..

These two were so sweet, steamy, and just easy. As I knew Lyrics story would be. No stress. No drama. And a very fun bachelor auction that went exactly the way you think it will 😉 these two aren’t as sneaky as they were trying to be.

I’m sad to be leaving the Island.. maybe this time for the last time. But I hope this won’t be the last we see of this group. I’d love some more stories about the side characters who deserve their HEAs too!

🌴 Second Chance
💨 Neurodivergent Rep
🌴 The Underwear Stealing Cat Is Back!
💨 Flip F*cking
🌴 Loveable Stoner
💨 He Cleans Up His Mess 💦
🌴 Hammock S*x
💨 Lyrics REAL NAME Reveal
🌴 He Wears His Clothes (& everyone notices)
💨 The Highest Bidder
🌴 “Sweetness”
💨 Nipple Play

[HappilyEverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuri and Lyric were such a sweet couple! I love a second-chance romance, and when it’s as low-angst as this one, it’s guaranteed to be a good time. This story felt a little more heartfelt and less spice-forward than some of the other books in the series, which I really enjoyed.

I loved that Yuri and Lyric had a genuine connection and had originally parted ways with no hard feelings. There were no games or unnecessary drama between them—they gave their second chance the time and space to develop organically while figuring out how to do things differently this time around. As they worked through their fears of losing each other again, I found myself becoming even more invested in their relationship. And when they finally had an honest and vulnerable moment together, my heart completely melted.

Yuri and Lyric really complemented each other and seemed to understand one another without ever trying to change who the other person was. This book had me smiling the entire time!

And, of course, we get all the fun of the Palm Island Crew, with cameos from so many favorite characters from the previous books. This was a heartwarming, fun read guaranteed to give you all the feel-good vibes!

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came in late to this series but it felt like I could keep up. I love the whole second chance concept and I love Yuri & Cooper together. Love how they get there HEA and their second chance together. They both deserved it even tho it took the 8 years they still remember things about each other and that’s really cute. Can’t wait to go back to the beginning.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun visiting Palm Island again since it's been a bit. Lyric has been hanging on the island during the other books. He is the long-haired blond usually wandering aimlessly, picking at his guitar, or smoking and growing weed. He is sunshine and chaos, forgetful, oblivious, and lives life in the moment. And all of his friends kind of look out for him.

Yuri is a burned-out science nerd and successful nuclear physicist. He is regimented, particular, sensitive, predictable, and an overthinker who gets lost in his head. He has done something completely uncharacteristic by leaving his job and is heading to Palm Island to become a bartender and reset his life.

And as soon as he gets off the ferry, he sees his "one that let him get away" when he went off for his job. Cooper Reed is now living on the island and going by Lyric. At first, they are not sure what to do with each other, but it does not take long for them to reconnect and get back to their intense chemistry. They are opposites and both have their issues and quirks, but they balance and complement each other very well.

Is it an island fling, a second chance, fate, or destined to just hurt them again?

I loved these guys tomorrow. But one thing they are not good at is communication. Cooper is afraid to get attached again and get hurt if Zuri leaves again. And Yuri is not sure what he is going to do with his life but just really wants to be asked to stay this time. But they are both kind of afraid to actually talk about it for a while.

It brings back the quirky Palm Island inhabitants with their fun personalities and shenanigans. I enjoyed having another Palm Island vacay.

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[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

To tell you how excited I was to read this book, I binge read the entire rest of the series this week, in preparation to get my ARC of this book. It was my THIRD time reading the entire series this year, and most likely not the last. The books in this series are quickly becoming my number 1 comfort read I can always count on to put the biggest smile on my face as i’m reading and this book was very much that for me.

I just adored their dynamic and interactions. Yuri is this super anxious guy whose plans have plans and Lyric is very go with the flow and see where life takes him and I thought that they complimented each other perfectly. This book perfectly captured the aura of needyness and doubts that comes from wanting someone so bad you don't know how to reach for it cause it seems too big and scary to do anything about it and it was such a delight to read.

This is a second chance romance with a very strong the one that got away vibe and the yearning and the way these two thought about each other just really got to me. This is a low angst swoony romance but I think I spent about 70% of the time crying my eyes out because I was so invested in Yuri and Lyric as characters that every time they were yearning for each other it just really got to me.

I am so happy to now have this book in my life and I cannot wait until I get the urge to re-read it in a month because I can never get enough of this series.

[Spice Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

What a cover! Nothing like I expected for Lyric, but exactly what he is. When I came to this series all prior books were out, I thought Lyric remained a side character, I’m so glad he didn’t. Neuhold’s note at the beginning reminds us Yuri was introduced in book 3, and I vaguely remembered him, but more came back the further into this I got.

Straight away I was back in Palm Island, I love the feel of this series and everything was as I’d imagined when I first flew through the 6 books. This takes place before some of the prior book’s relationships have formed and it’s good to see Lyric had his own HEA percolating as those were also.

Lyric/Cooper has been a favourite of mine since we first met him. He’s so go-with-the-flow, no drama, no issues. Yuri is just about his polar opposite and their first go round at a relationship ended as Yuri moved overseas for work. A lifestyle change for him puts these two back in each other’s lives and it’s cute and giggly, sweet and spicy as Cooper and Yuri get back into a friendship and physical relationship whilst quietly wondering if they could be more.

A super easy read, I completed it in a day. I really enjoyed being back with the Palm Island boys, fingers crossed Scout gets his HEA too. And I think I need a series reread.

[Hiawatha Rosemond · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌴High Note (Palm Island book 7) by KM Neuhold

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release for a long time! I read it in one sitting. Lyric is one of the most laid back characters in any book I’ve read. I enjoyed his parts in the other books but I needed his story.
I’m not usually into second chance romance but this was so different. There was no bad breakup. There were no hard feelings. Just two people on different paths who weren’t the best at communicating.

When Yuri showed up at Palm Island because he was burnt out and wanted to do something different, he wasn’t expecting to see Cooper, the man he walked away from 8 years ago. The man he regretted losing every day, in spite of his career success. And Cooper (Lyric) was equally surprised to see Yuri show up on Palm Island as one of the new bartenders. These two are polar opposites in almost every way. Yuri overthinks everything and Lyric barely thinks at all. And it works.

The way these two navigated their reunion was cautious. Neither stopped loving the other and neither wanted to risk heartbreak again. It was obvious to everyone that there was something there, but they kept their past private and hooked up in secret. Is the vibe and history of Palm Island enough to bring these two back together? Is the balance they provide one another enough? I couldn’t wait to find out and you won’t be disappointed!

#mm
#mmromance

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

KM Neuhold promised a sweet, low angst story and this delivered perfectly.

This 5 star is for vibes. For the MCs. For the writing. For the smile I had whilst reading this book and for how quickly I demolished it.

It's not the type of book that's going to rewrite your brain. But I loved it. It made me happy and I fully enjoyed reading it. So why shouldn't it get 5 big fat happy stars?

I loved how Yuri's autism was just a part of him and wasn't made a big deal within the story, and how Lyric/Cooper knew how to help, when to help, without overstepping or belittling him.

I also loved Lyric. He was so laid back yet also not? So ditzy yet surprisingly insightful at times?

This was the first in the series I've read – it wasn't a problem at all, I didn't feel like I was missing anything but it did absolutely make me want to go read the others! I think that's a fine balance to get tbh, and definitely a bonus. To be able to write a series that doesn't NEED to be read in order, that makes readers intrigued by the other MCs without feeling like they're being hit over the head with the other stories or like the setup for future stories starts to take over the current MCs' story.

This was short and sweet but perfectly fleshed out. It was the perfect book to read on a lazy Sunday whilst in between spending time with family.

[Kayleigh insta: mmbooksl_t · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
3.5🌶️
REVIEW: Yuri and Cooper decided to go their separate ways 8 years ago, Yuri’s job took him across the world and Cooper didn’t ask him to stay. In all that time no one has ever come close for Yuri. After winning a Nobel prize, Yuri suffers utter burn out and does something so far out of his comfort zone. He takes a bartending job on Palm Island. A gay party island resort. He must be loosing his mind because within moments of stepping off the ferry he swears he sees Cooper - who now goes by ‘Lyric’ in the distance.
Lyric is a typical beach bum, laid back, strumming his guitar and letting life take him where it may. He recognises Yuri when he steps into the coffee shop but the two don’t immediately talk.
Yuri is still madly in love with Lyric but when Lyric tells him he didn’t think about him in the 8 years they were apart he takes it as a sign that there is no second chance for them. Lyric can’t let himself fall again for the sake of a holiday romance, but he can’t stay away.

KM Neuhold does it again! I love her low angst, high heat, cosy reads. Lyric is such a golden retriever, he’s a walking brain fart and I’m totally here for it. Neuhold writes neurospicy characters so well, I love how well these two worked together. Superb!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.M. Neuhold is the first MM Author that I had ever read. That is about 7 yrs ago, hundreds of stories and untold hours of reading pleasure. They are an instant read for me whenever a new story comes out. I have really enjoyed the Palm Island Series, getting to know all of the different personalities of the residents of the quirky island. High Note gives the story of the island’s resident stoner/musician Lyric. He is surprised one season when he sees the “one that got away” get off of the ferry with a job bartending for the summer. Yuri is an actual Nobel Prize winner who is suffering from total burnout and trying to live life in a total opposite way and recover some of his sanity. Surprise! The man you have always compared every other lover to is living on the small island you just moved to! Yuri and Lyric are both total opposites who just fit together like puzzle pieces to make a perfect relationship, once they get past all of the issues. I wouldn’t even call it Mis-communication, more like non-existent, and I had a difficult time with that during the story. I’m not a fan of angst in romance stories, but I feel that this one may have benefited emotionally if there had been a little more. All in all a good solid story, but not one of my top reads for the author.

[Sharon L · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He’s burned out and he’s looking for joy in simple places right now until he’s ready to go back to his real life."

This is book 7 in the Palm Island series by KM Neuhold. It's been over 2 years since we last visited Palm Island. I guess Lyric spoke up and demanded his own book and Kyleen listened.

If you haven't started this series yet don't start here, start with book 1 you won't be disappointed!!! I'd love to sit down and read each of the books again, so many books, so little time.

What a cute fun story!!! Even though the timeline is a bit skewed it made the story even more interesting to me. I love an author's ability to be able to go back in time and create a story as good as this. I have no idea how an author keeps all these characters straight (or in this case, not so straight, ha). It was a walk down memory lane and I loved every minute of it.

I'll put the same thing I wrote in my review of the previous book in this series; All the books in this series were my favorite, lol, don't ask me to pick just one because I can't. This one was at least in the top seven 😉.

[Karyn Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Note by K.M. Neuhold was such a fun and heartwarming read, and I absolutely adored Yuri and Lyric’s dynamic. Yuri is this super anxious guy whose plans have plans, while Lyric is completely go-with-the-flow, and somehow they complement each other perfectly.
I loved their chemistry, banter, and all the little interactions that made me smile. They were like two magnets who couldn’t stay away from each other, and watching them fall back into the comfort they had years ago was so sweet. The story really captured that feeling of wanting someone so badly but being too scared and unsure how to reach for them because it feels too big and scary.
Their romance was sweet, steamy, funny, and wonderfully easy. I loved watching them become each other’s safe place while figuring out their feelings and overcoming those doubts. There’s a great mix of emotional moments and humour, but without unnecessary drama or angst.
Overall, High Note was an incredibly enjoyable MM romance with lovable characters, fantastic chemistry, great banter, plenty of heart, and just the right amount of spice.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventh in series (Palm Island), can be read as a standalone but might be more fun if read in order. Second chance. Opposites attract. Neurodivergent representation. Found family. Dual POV.

Burned out nobel prize winner Yuri applies to be a bartender on Palm Island, deciding to shake up his ordered world. Little does he know that the love of his life, Cooper (now Lyric), is a resident of the island and hasn’t forgotten Yuri either.

Lyric and Yuri are certainly opposites, but it is clear that their feelings were strong years ago before they went their separate ways. It took me a while to warm up to Lyric, but once he admitted that he had never stopped loving Yuri it was a much more smooth read for me. It was fun to see all the guys from Palm Island, supportive and friendly as usual. Lyric and Yuri certainly still have chemistry and there is plenty of steam between them. Their reuniting occurred slowly over several months, and I do wish they learned more about who each other was now versus years ago, but I did really enjoy their second chance and romantic moments. 4.25

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is my happy place. It's just so feel good and full of fun, love, and a wonderful found family. Truly, I challenge someone to read any book in this series without smiling the whole way through!

This book is no exception and honestly, is right near the top of my favorites of the series (Not sure I'm ready to give up Trick and Boston's spot yet). I thought it was going to be close to the top because of Lyric, but to my surpirse Yuri completely stole the show for me. Maybe that's because I'm pretty much girl Yuri, but he just was so lovely and relatable from the time he showed up that I couldn't help but fall for him. And I love that Lyric was such a great counterpart for him. So laid back and free and just they were able to be there for each other in such a beautiful beautiful way.

...and now I need a little Birdy to get a book...

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you've loved a character throughout an entire series and he finally gets his own happily ever after. Lyric has always been one of my Palm Island favourites. I've loved the chaos of the happy pothead who seemed to not have a care in the world. His absent mindedness is hysterical. Wearing just one sandal ? Oh well the other will probably turn up. Forgotten to check the washing line when all his underwear has gone missing ? Go commando. But some things are never forgotten and he remembers every moment of his relationship with Yuri. Opposites definitely attract, because Lyric and Yuri could not be more different. He is always planning, always in control. Together they level each other out.

I absolutely adored their steamy, second chance romance, their complete failure to communicate and spending some time with my favourite guys again.

[Joanie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe soulmates are made, you know? Like, you pick a person and you pour your whole heart and soul into them, and that makes it something special.'"

These two were so sweet together, and it was a nice change of pace to have such a low stakes sort of second chance romance. They never stopped loving each other, they didn't part on bad terms, and they had both accepted that things just weren't right for them to have that HEA together.

However, 8 years can bring a lot of growth. It gives way to not only new opportunities, but second chances at the opportunities you may have let slip away in the past. Once they learned how to properly communicate with each other without letting fear of getting hurt get in the way, their path back to each other became so incredibly clear and simple, and oh so familiar. Seeing them find comfort finally being back in each other's arms was beautiful.

[Ammandareadsdark · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.M. does it again with this latest installment of the Palm Island series and of course as always she doesn't miss. I love a good second chance romance and the fact that the breakup wasn't a bad one makes it even better for me. Doesn't mean a good tense, angsty, drama filled read isn't a good time, but I know what I am getting into with this author, in this series, and it is low angst at its finest.

Lyric has always intrigued me throughout this series and to be able to delve in to his story has been just wonderful. We find out more about him and his history before coming to the island and we learn about his relationship with Yuri and what led to the breakup. Don't even get me started on the spice in this one because OMG I was having hot flashes over here.

I am so thankful I was able to procure an ARC of this book because it was a great read and had me smiling throughout.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back to Palm Island to see Lyric get his happily ever after along with all his people. Yuri comes to Palm Island after a near overworked breakdown to find Cooper has been here this whole time. We have two completely different men both neurospicy who handle life's challenges in completely different ways. You feel the want and longing and hope they find the courage to admit they havent moved on before they could lose each other again. Lyric (cooper) is his go with the flow self and we see another side of him when he is a calming force for Yuri. Yuri let's his anxiety be less debilitating with the calming presence of Cooper. A beautifully done second chance romance we've all been waiting for.

[Henna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay, we're back in Palm Island!
Relaxed and scatter-brained Lyric has been living his best life on Palm Island playing his guitar and not caring about his past or future. That is, until his past jumps out of a boat to work on the island. Yuri has had a great career, Nobel prize and all, but he needs a break. So bartending on Palm Island it is.
The two broke up eight years ago on good terms but Yuri has always thought he made a mistake leaving Lyric for his career. They reacquaint quickly and fall into friendship before things heat up. But summer's end looms and Yuri might not stay.
I liked how easy this second chance love was. There was yearning and they needed a nudge to talk about their feelings, but it was all still very calm and beautiful.

[Tasha Thrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuri is seeking a fresh start, yearning to escape his dreary job. He sets off to Palm Island for a new adventure. Upon disembarking from the ferry, he unexpectedly encounters the one person he wished he had never left behind.

Lyric has always dreamed of a life with sand between his toes, a joint in his mouth, and a guitar in his hands. He embraces each day, content to simply live in the moment.

I approached this book as a standalone, despite it being the seventh installment in the series. I’m definitely eager to revisit the earlier books and immerse myself further in the charm of the island.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series with its low angst laid back found family, summer island holiday vibes and Lyric is certainly the most laid back man of them all. When his old flame Yuri arrives on the island they soon discover that the chemistry they had together 8 years ago is still there and ready to ignite. However what these two wonderful men do lack is communication skills. So plenty of steam but it’s takes them a bit to actually discuss their relationship and determine that they do want the same thing - a life together on Palm Island. The island residents of course like to meddle, clothing optional beach yoga is a thing and the carousel magic strikes again.

[Grace ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*sigh* I just love Palm Island sooo much! It was so nice to be back in paradise with all the amazing men and their soulmates. I’m so glad the Lyric got his happy ending! I will say I’m not the biggest fan of the miscommunication will you just talk to each other already?!?! Trope. In general it’s a little frustrating to read but that said KM has a way with characters and development that just hits every time! Yuri was adorable and Lyric personified the beach bum so well. Together they were magic even as they were total opposites. I’ll miss the sandy beaches, euphemisms galore, and soul mates only carousel so much!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyric and Yuri were such a fun low angst read. Loved being back at Palm Island and getting snippets of the other characters. While these two had extreme chemistry they did suffer from IMO an extreme lack of communication. A lot of their miscommunication could’ve been either avoided or cleared up rather quickly if either one of them decided to speak up but overall it was a lovely simple afternoon read. Not sure if KM is planning on writing anymore books within this series but I wouldn’t mind it at all.

[Sam Vautier · Rating 4 out of 5]

So absolutely loved being back on Palm Island with all the guys and Lyric getting his man!

After breaking up 8 years earlier, Yuri heads to a Palm Island for a change, burnt it from his job and his life. Only to find the man he let get away is there. He has never forgotten Cooper (Lyric) and has always wondered if he made a mistake.

These two getting to get their second chance, dancing around the past, rekindling their relationship together - it was all so gorgeous and perfect! Loved it from start to finish!

[Sarah Scouti · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌴we are back on Palm Island and I couldn’t be happier!
This book was EVERYTHING! ✨🥹
Not only did it connect all the other books, it showed glimpses into all our favs life’s and stories.
Absolutely loved Lyrics Happy End! And these two fit together so perfectly! Their story was so cute and heartwarming, but also steamy and funny! The perfect mix! 🌴🥹

Second Chance Love with lots of found family island shenanigans!

5/5 🌟! One of my favs of the series!

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh returning to Palm Island is such a sweet home coming! And finally Lyrics Story is here:

Resident w**d provider and enthusiast and self proclaimed beach bum Lyric thinks he smoked a bad j*int when his ex-boyfriend physicist and Nobel price winner Yuri steps off the boat! Yuri is equally shocked having always regretted their break up and considering Lyric the one that got away!

These two were so adorable! We should probably all take a page out of Lyrics book and stop worrying so much! He’s the most care free and go with the flow person and the perfect counterpart to Yuris mind, that literally never stops running! They were a perfect example of opposites attract and appreciating someone deeply for all the ways they are different then yourself! As always this was such a feel good, low angst book that just makes you smile and feels like a warm hug on the beach!

[Amz Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a part of the ARC team.


Can I just start with I read a lot of K.M Neuhold over the years and have absolutely loved her. I hadn't yet got round to the Palm Island series yet (Curse of the mood reader) and typically I love to read my interconnected standalones in order. I didn't feel out of my depths. The story was beautifully written.

Coop and Yuri compliment each other in ways I didn't think would work but they did!

I am now off to read the others!

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, low angst, high on feelings with scorching chemistry is Neuhold’s signature and this book has it all. Coop and Yuri are unbelievably sweet and this is one of the nicest second chances I’ve read in a long time. Sometimes things need the right time to work out and for three two their time has come. Palm island characters are absolutely wonderful and if you’re looking for a book that’ll feel easy and good and make you smile this is the one, read this.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not typically a fan of second chance romance but this might have just changed my mind. This was a perfect example of second chance and I loved these two finding each other again. The amicable end the first time made this so smooth for these two to finally admit their feelings and choose each other. Absolutely beautiful.

[Heather Brocklehurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to go back to Palm Island & find Lyric's Happily Ever After, and see a bit more of what made him tick (and why he was constantly stoned!). Lyric is always so laid back about everything, which is pretty much the opposite of Yuri, but somehow they worked - especially when they learnt to communicate with each other & realised that they wanted the same thing! Great neuro divergent rep