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Palm Island #7
High Note
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…
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…
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2026
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
110 books3,522 followersK.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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
September 6, 2026
I was really excited for Lyric to finally get a story, but I somehow feel like I know even less about him now!
Yuri was ok, but these two together were so chalk and cheese and neither could have a conversation! It was pretty frustrating actually, and I think I ended up prefering Lyric as a background character unfortunately.
Yuri was ok, but these two together were so chalk and cheese and neither could have a conversation! It was pretty frustrating actually, and I think I ended up prefering Lyric as a background character unfortunately.
September 8, 2026
Nice return to Palm Island
I was very happy when K.M. said she was returning to her Palm Island series to give Lyric his HEA and i enjoyed this very much.
A second chance romance between two guys who both have neurodivergent traits and an amicable break-up eight years earlier wasn't what I was expecting though.
However it worked beautifully as Yuri's orderly mind and list making acts as a perfect foil for Lyric's overly active brain that he needs to control with weed and edibles.
There's maybe a little too much sex and not as much conversation as I'd have preferred or rather, too many mentions of 'holes' clenching, squeezing or otherwise throbbing.
But we get plenty of inner thoughts and some genuine dialogue when they realise they need to honestly talk about their hopes and fears.
All in all, I felt everything came together in a believable way that made it feel like they would be together ever after!
I was very happy when K.M. said she was returning to her Palm Island series to give Lyric his HEA and i enjoyed this very much.
A second chance romance between two guys who both have neurodivergent traits and an amicable break-up eight years earlier wasn't what I was expecting though.
However it worked beautifully as Yuri's orderly mind and list making acts as a perfect foil for Lyric's overly active brain that he needs to control with weed and edibles.
There's maybe a little too much sex and not as much conversation as I'd have preferred or rather, too many mentions of 'holes' clenching, squeezing or otherwise throbbing.
But we get plenty of inner thoughts and some genuine dialogue when they realise they need to honestly talk about their hopes and fears.
All in all, I felt everything came together in a believable way that made it feel like they would be together ever after!
September 17, 2026
Yuri and Lyric
MM Romance
Final book in Palm Island Series
Second Chance Romance
HEA
Low Angst
Spice - 3/5
Story - 5/5
MM Romance
Final book in Palm Island Series
Second Chance Romance
HEA
Low Angst
Spice - 3/5
Story - 5/5
September 6, 2026
Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, second chance, found family
I was super excited about going back to Palm Island, but unfortunately Lyric's story just didn't fully live up to my expectations.
Lyric had always been a bit of a vague background figure in the previous books, so I was looking forward to getting to know more of him. He and Yuri were opposites attract to the extreme, but they were good for each other. I just feel like I still don't really know anything about Lyric, and maybe it was just a preference of mine, but I had a difficult time getting a grip on him as a character. There was plenty to know about Yuri though, and while I'm not entirely sure how these two work, I enjoyed their second chance.
These two weren't the best at communicating with each other, but kept finding opportunities to hook up. Their lack of communication was frustrating at times, but their romance was overall sweet with low angst. Yuri was not the kind of person I would have imagined for Lyric, but they somehow clicked and made it work.
High Note was a fun and sweet addition to the Palm Island series, and I was so happy to be back there and see these characters again! I always love a good second chance romance, and even if I didn't entirely connect to Lyric, it was still an enjoyable and cute read.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: opposites attract, second chance, found family
I was super excited about going back to Palm Island, but unfortunately Lyric's story just didn't fully live up to my expectations.
Lyric had always been a bit of a vague background figure in the previous books, so I was looking forward to getting to know more of him. He and Yuri were opposites attract to the extreme, but they were good for each other. I just feel like I still don't really know anything about Lyric, and maybe it was just a preference of mine, but I had a difficult time getting a grip on him as a character. There was plenty to know about Yuri though, and while I'm not entirely sure how these two work, I enjoyed their second chance.
These two weren't the best at communicating with each other, but kept finding opportunities to hook up. Their lack of communication was frustrating at times, but their romance was overall sweet with low angst. Yuri was not the kind of person I would have imagined for Lyric, but they somehow clicked and made it work.
High Note was a fun and sweet addition to the Palm Island series, and I was so happy to be back there and see these characters again! I always love a good second chance romance, and even if I didn't entirely connect to Lyric, it was still an enjoyable and cute read.
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 11, 2026
This really didn’t work for me. I did not like Lyric at all. He was an amusing stoner side character in the other books but now that we get his POV we see that his head is completely empty. Like he barely had any real thoughts in his head. I can’t imagine why anyone would love him. I found him very unattractive. I felt like there was no chemistry between him and Yuri.
Yuri was ok but he was supposed to be autistic and I found that pretty questionable. When Lyric mentioned that he used to really like routines, Yuri said, “I’ve changed.” Thats really not how that works. The whole book treated Yuri’s need for predictability like a character flaw that he needed to overcome. Autistic people can travel and have new experiences but we still need to accommodate our needs while we do it or risk overwhelm and meltdowns. But Yuri wanted to start a new carefree, spontaneous life with Lyric, without knowing what the future will bring. But you can’t just change who you are like that.
Also this was very short, it almost felt like a novella. And feel like there wasn’t really enough time for Yuri to feel at home. There were not a lot of scene with other familiar characters and in the end Yuri still felt like an outsider.
It’s a coincidence that I read this back to back with Harvest Heat which also ended up having an autistic MC. But Harvest Heat was much better.
Yuri was ok but he was supposed to be autistic and I found that pretty questionable. When Lyric mentioned that he used to really like routines, Yuri said, “I’ve changed.” Thats really not how that works. The whole book treated Yuri’s need for predictability like a character flaw that he needed to overcome. Autistic people can travel and have new experiences but we still need to accommodate our needs while we do it or risk overwhelm and meltdowns. But Yuri wanted to start a new carefree, spontaneous life with Lyric, without knowing what the future will bring. But you can’t just change who you are like that.
Also this was very short, it almost felt like a novella. And feel like there wasn’t really enough time for Yuri to feel at home. There were not a lot of scene with other familiar characters and in the end Yuri still felt like an outsider.
It’s a coincidence that I read this back to back with Harvest Heat which also ended up having an autistic MC. But Harvest Heat was much better.
August 24, 2026
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
———————————————
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
Read
September 4, 2026It was so much fun to return to K.M. Neuhold's Palm Island! This second chance, opposites attract romance was so sweet and fun to read! Rekindled chemistry, digging through layers of both the past and present and of course the chemistry! The magic of the island and Lyric's idiosyncrasies made this a fun read and it was great seeing past couples and characters!
August 27, 2026
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!
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!
September 7, 2026
This is second chance romance, featuring Yuri and Lyric, and is book seven in the Palm Island series.
Yuri is burnt out from his work as a nuclear physicist, so he escapes to Palm Island to have a break and take on a bartender job, where he finds Lyric, his first love and the man he never stopped thinking about. With old feelings returning, Yuri hopes they might get a second chance at love.
I love this series and was so excited to read this one. Yuri and Lyric are so cute together, absolute opposites but such a sweet couple. We also get lots of cameos from the series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 7 in series
MM romance
Second chance
Opposites attract
Introvert x extrovert
First love
8 years apart
Reunited
Summer holiday fling
Spicy times
Flip f*ck
Lack of communication
Admit feelings
Found family
HEA
Yuri is burnt out from his work as a nuclear physicist, so he escapes to Palm Island to have a break and take on a bartender job, where he finds Lyric, his first love and the man he never stopped thinking about. With old feelings returning, Yuri hopes they might get a second chance at love.
I love this series and was so excited to read this one. Yuri and Lyric are so cute together, absolute opposites but such a sweet couple. We also get lots of cameos from the series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 7 in series
MM romance
Second chance
Opposites attract
Introvert x extrovert
First love
8 years apart
Reunited
Summer holiday fling
Spicy times
Flip f*ck
Lack of communication
Admit feelings
Found family
HEA
September 21, 2026
This is the 7th in the Palm Island series, about a group of friends/coworkers who live year-round on a gay-friendly paradise island. It is a second chance romance between Lyric, an island resident, and Yuri, a scientist who is burnt out and takes a summer season bartender job on the island. Years ago, they were in a relationship but when Yuri got a once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity, Lyric told him to take it and they broke up. Neither of them truly got over each other and the story is about how they make it work this time. Lyric has ADHD and Yuri is neurodivergent and it is nice to see how they complement and support each other. However, there are more sex scenes than I think are necessary and overall, there wasn't a lot of depth/backstory for either character (especially Lyric). This book was distinctly shorter (slightly over 200 pages) than previous books in the series, which may account for this. Whereas it was a pleasant read, it is not one I will return to and I would not recommend starting the series with this entry.
October 6, 2026
First off, I love the name Cooper and I was so relieved not to have to read the name Lyric over and over. It just doesn't roll off the tongue as a name imo. That being said, Coopers' inner monologue and general inability to function as an adult human was not it for me. I was annoyed by 5%. About half the "quirk" would have sufficed to explain who Lyric is but it was just too much. Like he can't remember to wear two shoes to the cafe but we trust him when he says he's clean? Ok. I found him to be this off putting in previous books so I actually wasn't that excited for him to get a story. I WAS glad that it worked for Yuri and I didn't have to stress that he wanted to try to change him but I am surprised that someone as uptight as him loved being with the nonsense of Cooper.
Their second chance was cute and I enjoyed being back on the island. There was a decent amount of spice and I will NEVER say no to a bachelor auction that makes the characters realize what they really want and go after it. Swoon.
But yeah...just an ok read for me.
Also it really bothered me that we heard Geneva and Zurich but then Yuri thinks to himself "We broke up because he didn't want to come to Sweden...." Huh? No one caught this? Not one person?
Their second chance was cute and I enjoyed being back on the island. There was a decent amount of spice and I will NEVER say no to a bachelor auction that makes the characters realize what they really want and go after it. Swoon.
But yeah...just an ok read for me.
Also it really bothered me that we heard Geneva and Zurich but then Yuri thinks to himself "We broke up because he didn't want to come to Sweden...." Huh? No one caught this? Not one person?
August 29, 2026
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.
September 10, 2026
My gawd damn heart!!!! Love love love lyric and yuri!
September 6, 2026
I'm a huge fan of the author, and buy direct from her website when I can. I've read and re-read virtually her entire catalog including Palm Island, so I'm so disappointed to report that I couldn't finish this book.
It has to be a me thing, or maybe a Gen X thing (this is your brain on drugs, iykyk), but the constant casual weed usage by Lyric really bothered me. I put the book down during chapter 15 of 23 knowing virtually nothing about Lyric. No backstory has emerged, we don't know much about his relationship with Yuri, why is Lyric on the island in the first place... they are just constantly fucking and Lyric is always stoned. There is no story that I can find.
I can say it was good to see Mr. Tubbs again, though.
It has to be a me thing, or maybe a Gen X thing (this is your brain on drugs, iykyk), but the constant casual weed usage by Lyric really bothered me. I put the book down during chapter 15 of 23 knowing virtually nothing about Lyric. No backstory has emerged, we don't know much about his relationship with Yuri, why is Lyric on the island in the first place... they are just constantly fucking and Lyric is always stoned. There is no story that I can find.
I can say it was good to see Mr. Tubbs again, though.
September 11, 2026
Sweet, but it went a bit far - one character has a Nobel Prize for some reason, even though it's of no consequence and entirely unbelievable, and the other, I think, is meant to have ADHD, but actually acts like he's had quite a serious brain injury and is in need of urgent treatment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5...
This is the first book I have read in this series, and while I'm curious about some of the side characters, Yuri and Lyric's story was a miss for me unfortunately. I think that for me there was just too much focus on Lyric, aka Cooper, smoking blunts and eating edibles which I didn't really enjoy. I understand those things were mentioned to portray his character and his true personna, but its just not something I thought was necessary to be in every chapter. In addition, I wanted more romance between these two. I know they have a past, but I wanted to see them going out on dates, catching up, relearning each other outside of steamy scenes, but unfortunately that just didn't happen as much as I was hoping for it to.
I do know that people are going to LOVE this book, I just wasn't one of them, sadly. But!! I still love this author's writing, and can't wait to see what they write next!
This is the first book I have read in this series, and while I'm curious about some of the side characters, Yuri and Lyric's story was a miss for me unfortunately. I think that for me there was just too much focus on Lyric, aka Cooper, smoking blunts and eating edibles which I didn't really enjoy. I understand those things were mentioned to portray his character and his true personna, but its just not something I thought was necessary to be in every chapter. In addition, I wanted more romance between these two. I know they have a past, but I wanted to see them going out on dates, catching up, relearning each other outside of steamy scenes, but unfortunately that just didn't happen as much as I was hoping for it to.
I do know that people are going to LOVE this book, I just wasn't one of them, sadly. But!! I still love this author's writing, and can't wait to see what they write next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 pretty lips, filthy mouth Stars
⭐ |
5
🌶️
ARC Read: 31/08/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you KM Neuhold for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Island Romance 🌴
🧡 Second Chance
🩷 Opposites Attract
🏄♂️ Nuclear Physicist x Loveable Stoner
🌴 Flip Fucking
🧡 Hammock Sex
🩷 He Wears His Clothes
🏄♂️ The Highest Bidder
🌴 Nipple Play
🧡 “Sweetness”
🩷 Harold Does It Again
🏄♂️ Himbo
🌴 Neurodivergent Rep
🧡 Autism Rep
🩷 Found Family
🏄♂️ Low-Angst
🌴 HEA
ARC Read: 31/08/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you KM Neuhold for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
🫶 MM Island Romance 🌴
🧡 Second Chance
🩷 Opposites Attract
🏄♂️ Nuclear Physicist x Loveable Stoner
🌴 Flip Fucking
🧡 Hammock Sex
🩷 He Wears His Clothes
🏄♂️ The Highest Bidder
🌴 Nipple Play
🧡 “Sweetness”
🩷 Harold Does It Again
🏄♂️ Himbo
🌴 Neurodivergent Rep
🧡 Autism Rep
🩷 Found Family
🏄♂️ Low-Angst
🌴 HEA
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Lyric: He turns around and catches me staring, and I don’t try to hide it. Another blush creeps into his cheeks and I hold his gaze as I finish off my beer. I’ve never been that big on dwelling on the past and shit, but it’s hard not to when it’s staring me right in the face like this. It’s hard not to remember all the sleepless nights I spent in his bed and the way he made me feel seen and understood like no one else ever had. Even now, he’s the only one. The rest of it’s still there too though, knowing that he needed more than I’d ever be able to give him, watching him go and feeling like I’d never be able to take a deep breath again with how much it ached. Fuck."
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Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
I love everything about this series!
This book wasn't any different! AND LOOK coming from a reader that normally doesn't like second chance romance! I think I like it so much bc on how low angst this story is.
I already loved Lyric on the others book, it was a joy meeting Yuri.
This series always brings me peace. I don't know how KM does it but it always feels like I just took a vacation, a beach vacation 🙌🙌🙌
Can't wait for the audio to relisten to the whole series again.
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
Yuri: “Oh fuck, oh fuck,” I gasp, clawing at his back with my blunt fingernails, kissing him harder and jerking my hips faster, breaking our rhythm as a primal need takes over. “Yeah,” he rasps, resting his forehead against mine and thrusting faster too. “Give me your cum, sweetness. I want it all over my fucking cock. Moan my name again, loud enough to let everyone know who makes you feel this damn good.” “Cooper,” I cry out, tangling my fingers in his hair and thrusting wildly, pleasure exploding through me as my cock starts to pulse, spilling hot spurts of cum all over his just like he asked for. He buries his face in the crook of my neck and lets out a guttural moan, following me over the edge."
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Series: Palm Island #7
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 1st Person
Plot: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Yuri: I wish I had the guts to ask him if this is just casual for him or if he could see something more, some day. But I don’t want to ruin the moment. It’s too perfect, it wouldn’t be right. Cooper hums a song I don’t recognize under his breath, and we lie there under the stars, doing the one thing I’ve never been good at— existing in just this moment.
I have to admit, it’s kind of nice."
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Main Characters:
5/5 -Lyric: he/him, cis-male
5/5 - Yuri: he/him, cis-male nickname: Sweetness;
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Lyric: Even though we’re keeping things casual and all of this is temporary, I reach over and thread my fingers between his while we walk anyway. The magnetic pull I’ve always felt towards him hasn’t changed at all, and I doubt it ever will. I’m just going to have to relearn how to forget about him when he’s gone again. But that’s a problem for later."
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Humor: Medium High Focus
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
Lyric: “I love everything about your dumb ass,” he says, muffling the laugh I let out with his lips on mine.
“I love you too, sweetness. Always have, always will.”
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HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? BOTH
Enjoyment: 5/5
✨✨✨✨Q✨u✨o✨t✨e✨✨✨✨
"Yuri: It drags against the soft, hot skin of Cooper’s inner thigh and I moan, pulling him back into another kiss. I can’t get enough of his mouth on mine, his body against mine, skin to skin, chest to chest, our breathing in sync and our tongues sliding and tangling with each other. I moan again, this one muffled by his tongue in my mouth, jerking my hips to get another intoxicating stroke of my cock against his thigh."
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Hope this review was helpful.
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September 18, 2026
High Note by K.M. Neuhold
Palm Island #7
Length: 205 pages
Source: Author-direct ARC team
Publication date: Sept. 4, 2026
4.5/5
WHAT TO EXPECT
Second chance
Opposites attract
Beach bum x nuclear physicist
Neurodivergent rep
Low-angst vibes
Found family
Soulmates
AUTHOR'S BLURB
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…
MY THOUGHTS
Honest opinion: you absolutely cannot go wrong with K.M. Neuhold. On paper, you'd never expect Lyric and Yuri to work as a couple. In reality, they're so perfect for each other that it's palpable from the first moment they see each other again. Lyric's laidback attitude is humorous but also necessary, because it's calming for Yuri and helps quiet his non-stop brain. I appreciate that Yuri also sees past the surface "beach bum" vibes of Lyric, too. They see each other as who they truly are.
I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two MCs, whether in their banter or in how they showed up for each other without a lot of agonizing or fanfare. They're very intuitively connected, and I love how that helps ease the sensory overload and emotional dysregulation that comes with being neurodivergent like Yuri. It's incredibly reassuring to have people around you who understand that ND brains work differently, which means information gets interpreted differently, and that that's not something to be fixed. Lyric's "roll with it" philosophy acts like a balm whenever Yuri starts to feel overwhelmed.
And no review for K.M. is complete without acknowledging how well she writes found family. It's evident here, yet again, that she's great at depicting the comfort and teasing that come with finding your people.
BOTTOM LINE
100% yes! This is a fun, easy, romantic read with a perfect dose of steam and humor.
–A🩷
Thanks to K.M. Neuhold for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, and BookBub.
Palm Island #7
Length: 205 pages
Source: Author-direct ARC team
Publication date: Sept. 4, 2026
4.5/5
WHAT TO EXPECT
Second chance
Opposites attract
Beach bum x nuclear physicist
Neurodivergent rep
Low-angst vibes
Found family
Soulmates
AUTHOR'S BLURB
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…
MY THOUGHTS
Honest opinion: you absolutely cannot go wrong with K.M. Neuhold. On paper, you'd never expect Lyric and Yuri to work as a couple. In reality, they're so perfect for each other that it's palpable from the first moment they see each other again. Lyric's laidback attitude is humorous but also necessary, because it's calming for Yuri and helps quiet his non-stop brain. I appreciate that Yuri also sees past the surface "beach bum" vibes of Lyric, too. They see each other as who they truly are.
I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two MCs, whether in their banter or in how they showed up for each other without a lot of agonizing or fanfare. They're very intuitively connected, and I love how that helps ease the sensory overload and emotional dysregulation that comes with being neurodivergent like Yuri. It's incredibly reassuring to have people around you who understand that ND brains work differently, which means information gets interpreted differently, and that that's not something to be fixed. Lyric's "roll with it" philosophy acts like a balm whenever Yuri starts to feel overwhelmed.
And no review for K.M. is complete without acknowledging how well she writes found family. It's evident here, yet again, that she's great at depicting the comfort and teasing that come with finding your people.
BOTTOM LINE
100% yes! This is a fun, easy, romantic read with a perfect dose of steam and humor.
–A🩷
Thanks to K.M. Neuhold for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Reviews posted regularly on StoryGraph, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram, and BookBub.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
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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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.
September 4, 2026
High Note
Palm Island
KM Neuhold
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am SUCH a sucker for a second-chance romance, and KM Neuhold always gets it right. 🥹💕
Palm Island as a whole is such a fun, lighthearted series. These books pull you into this little world filled with amazing characters and somehow always leave you feeling lighter and happier when you’re done.
And High Note is the perfect ending (?) to the series. 🌴
Yuri is a high-strung, neurodivergent, Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose high-stress career has completely burned him out and sent him running to Palm Island. It’s there that he reconnects with Lyric/Cooper—the one who got away—and they finally get their second chance at love.
Lyric has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. His chill stoner vibes and complete inability to keep track of his belongings are so damn endearing. 😂 But High Note lets us see a much deeper side of him.
He is incredibly sweet. I mean… THE SEASHELL APOLOGIES?! 🥹🐚 He knows he made mistakes in the past, he’s learned from them, and he refuses to make those same mistakes again.
Watching Yuri and Lyric reconnect—and watching Yuri slowly find his happiness again—was such a great time. Yuri’s neurodivergence is also written so well. There’s a scene where they’re leaving the beach and he describes the feeling of sand in his clothes, and I have never related to a character more.
Same, dude. SAME. 😂
But there’s one line that perfectly represents these two:
“I’m skimming the surface of the water while he’s in a submarine.”
THAT. RIGHT. THERE.
Lyric knows Yuri. He understands him. He accepts him exactly as he is without ever trying to change him or “fix” him. And there is something so beautiful about that.
And I’m not going to lie, I got a little teary when they were talking about Raven’s fishnets. 🥹 RIP Tim Curry. ❤️
And the spice?! PERFECTION. 🥵🔥 Starting with a super-hot frotting scene and eventually leading to a moment that takes kitchen sex to a WHOLE new level. 👀
This is an easy 10/10, no notes from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And now I desperately want to go back to Palm Island and reread the entire series from the beginning. 🌴📚💕
Palm Island
KM Neuhold
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I am SUCH a sucker for a second-chance romance, and KM Neuhold always gets it right. 🥹💕
Palm Island as a whole is such a fun, lighthearted series. These books pull you into this little world filled with amazing characters and somehow always leave you feeling lighter and happier when you’re done.
And High Note is the perfect ending (?) to the series. 🌴
Yuri is a high-strung, neurodivergent, Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose high-stress career has completely burned him out and sent him running to Palm Island. It’s there that he reconnects with Lyric/Cooper—the one who got away—and they finally get their second chance at love.
Lyric has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. His chill stoner vibes and complete inability to keep track of his belongings are so damn endearing. 😂 But High Note lets us see a much deeper side of him.
He is incredibly sweet. I mean… THE SEASHELL APOLOGIES?! 🥹🐚 He knows he made mistakes in the past, he’s learned from them, and he refuses to make those same mistakes again.
Watching Yuri and Lyric reconnect—and watching Yuri slowly find his happiness again—was such a great time. Yuri’s neurodivergence is also written so well. There’s a scene where they’re leaving the beach and he describes the feeling of sand in his clothes, and I have never related to a character more.
Same, dude. SAME. 😂
But there’s one line that perfectly represents these two:
“I’m skimming the surface of the water while he’s in a submarine.”
THAT. RIGHT. THERE.
Lyric knows Yuri. He understands him. He accepts him exactly as he is without ever trying to change him or “fix” him. And there is something so beautiful about that.
And I’m not going to lie, I got a little teary when they were talking about Raven’s fishnets. 🥹 RIP Tim Curry. ❤️
And the spice?! PERFECTION. 🥵🔥 Starting with a super-hot frotting scene and eventually leading to a moment that takes kitchen sex to a WHOLE new level. 👀
This is an easy 10/10, no notes from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And now I desperately want to go back to Palm Island and reread the entire series from the beginning. 🌴📚💕
September 8, 2026
MY OPINION: I would have sworn that book 7 ended the series, so imagine how thrilled I felt when they announced book 8. This series is one of my favorites overall, and KM Neuhold is easily one of my favorite authors. There is something about her writing style that grabs me when reading.
This series is so much fun. Each book focuses on one resident of Palm Island. You can read them separately, but the best overall story emerges when you read them in order. Each member of the ‘crew’ pairs off, and you see those throughout each title in order.
There was one person we hadn’t yet learned about, and that was the resident beach bum, Lyric. When his past finds its way to the island, we get to see a side of the character we hadn’t before. There is a lot beneath that casual exterior. We follow the MCs through their own questions, while the friend group nudges—sometimes shoves—them along to find their HEA.
It’s hard to describe how these books read. They carry a casual tone with plenty of detail about the scene or interaction from other characters, who in this case we already know. You want to be there, living the life they do. There is a lot of innuendo, and plenty of spice. The men here aren’t afraid to play with each other, with their partners, and with tourists. This is just a fun series with great men. These MCs are lovable. Lyric has such a casual stoner vibe that is carried through the tone of the entire book. Yuri was burned out and needed a change; the island was his choice. You are told exactly who these characters are and making it easy to envision them.
There is no angst; Lyric doesn’t do angst. But there are a few bumps, and they had to do that ever-popular communication thing. They get their feelings and words lined up, giving a great HEA, with some great guys. It’s not the last book as far as storytelling. It falls more like two-thirds in, so it’s a little before things we know. Like every book in this series, I loved it. I recommend it. And I think you should read it too because you will be happy after each book.
This series is so much fun. Each book focuses on one resident of Palm Island. You can read them separately, but the best overall story emerges when you read them in order. Each member of the ‘crew’ pairs off, and you see those throughout each title in order.
There was one person we hadn’t yet learned about, and that was the resident beach bum, Lyric. When his past finds its way to the island, we get to see a side of the character we hadn’t before. There is a lot beneath that casual exterior. We follow the MCs through their own questions, while the friend group nudges—sometimes shoves—them along to find their HEA.
It’s hard to describe how these books read. They carry a casual tone with plenty of detail about the scene or interaction from other characters, who in this case we already know. You want to be there, living the life they do. There is a lot of innuendo, and plenty of spice. The men here aren’t afraid to play with each other, with their partners, and with tourists. This is just a fun series with great men. These MCs are lovable. Lyric has such a casual stoner vibe that is carried through the tone of the entire book. Yuri was burned out and needed a change; the island was his choice. You are told exactly who these characters are and making it easy to envision them.
There is no angst; Lyric doesn’t do angst. But there are a few bumps, and they had to do that ever-popular communication thing. They get their feelings and words lined up, giving a great HEA, with some great guys. It’s not the last book as far as storytelling. It falls more like two-thirds in, so it’s a little before things we know. Like every book in this series, I loved it. I recommend it. And I think you should read it too because you will be happy after each book.
September 8, 2026
We've seen Lyric throughout the series as the other residents of Palm Island found their happily ever afters. We've seen the pure joy he brings to the community, and we've seen how he's loved by his friends. But now, we get to see how he loves them back. And we get to see Lyric find his own happily ever after. And that comes in the form of blast from his past.
I related to Yuri so hard throughout the course of this book. Burnt out, anxious, and needing a change in his life to rest, recover, and heal. And what better way to do that than to quit is astrophysicist job and head to Palm Island to take a job working for Boston at The Sand Bar? (Okay, that's a very specific set of circumstances, but to an extent, I could relate.)
Neither Lyric nor Yuri ever believed they'd see each other again after their amicable breakup. But it didn't seem to take much for them to fall right back into the familiarity of each other. It's the kind of familiarity that's comfortable and safe, but with a slight tinge of newness from rediscovering who they are as people, and to each other. They've both changed in the years they were apart, and there's a small level of getting to know each other all over again. Neither Lyric nor Yuri seem to find this to be much of a hardship.
I honestly really loved watching Lyric and Yuri fall for each other all over again. I loved the slight unease of their relationship, with Yuri still figuring out what he wanted to do with his life, and realizing that maybe perfectly planned and mapped out isn't quite working the way he wanted it to.
But most of all, I loved how this book felt full of promise. As I've gotten accustomed to with a K.M. Neuhold book, there were names and characters floated around that could lead to their own stories being told. Will they be told in the Palm Island world, or a related one? Who knows. But I do know one thing - these stories aren't over, they'll keep being told so long as there are characters who grip our attention and have stories that they want told. And I, for one, am really excited at that prospect.
I related to Yuri so hard throughout the course of this book. Burnt out, anxious, and needing a change in his life to rest, recover, and heal. And what better way to do that than to quit is astrophysicist job and head to Palm Island to take a job working for Boston at The Sand Bar? (Okay, that's a very specific set of circumstances, but to an extent, I could relate.)
Neither Lyric nor Yuri ever believed they'd see each other again after their amicable breakup. But it didn't seem to take much for them to fall right back into the familiarity of each other. It's the kind of familiarity that's comfortable and safe, but with a slight tinge of newness from rediscovering who they are as people, and to each other. They've both changed in the years they were apart, and there's a small level of getting to know each other all over again. Neither Lyric nor Yuri seem to find this to be much of a hardship.
I honestly really loved watching Lyric and Yuri fall for each other all over again. I loved the slight unease of their relationship, with Yuri still figuring out what he wanted to do with his life, and realizing that maybe perfectly planned and mapped out isn't quite working the way he wanted it to.
But most of all, I loved how this book felt full of promise. As I've gotten accustomed to with a K.M. Neuhold book, there were names and characters floated around that could lead to their own stories being told. Will they be told in the Palm Island world, or a related one? Who knows. But I do know one thing - these stories aren't over, they'll keep being told so long as there are characters who grip our attention and have stories that they want told. And I, for one, am really excited at that prospect.
September 15, 2026
Listening to this book was very relaxing and it made me happy. As long as I was in the "here and now" with the story it was super nice. But when I started to think about the big picture and the MCs backgrounds, I felt like there was something missing. There wasn't much depth to it and you don't get to know a lot about these guys background, neither individually nor together.
By the end of the book I had no clue how long they had been together the first time around. No clue on either of their families. No clue how old they were. Even so, I liked the characters and I especially liked them together.
I always appreciate neurodivergent characters, so it was great with a book where both of the MCs are neurodivergent. Now and then I'll come across a character that seems autistic/neurodivergent, but it's not explicitly mentioned in the book. So it was nice to get it confirmed in this one.
I listened to the audiobook and Iggy Toma did a great job with the narration, just as expected.
With Lyric and Yuri getting their book, I will dare to dream of a book for Scout. I would love to read about him and see him find his HEA. ♡
A little side note about the Nobel Prize: The first time the Nobel Prize was mentioned in the book I thought it was a joke. A fun and silly way to say that Yuri was smart. But towards the end of the book it was more and more clear that Yuri supposedly was a Nobel laureate...I don't buy it. I'm just going to pretend that it was a funny way of saying "hey, this guy is super smart" rather than the actual thing. I'm not saying he might never have one. If the work he's already done is worthy of a prize, he might get one in a few decades. The people who got the physics one last year got it for work they did in the mid 1980's. It's quite usual to get it decades after the actual work/discovery was done.
By the end of the book I had no clue how long they had been together the first time around. No clue on either of their families. No clue how old they were. Even so, I liked the characters and I especially liked them together.
I always appreciate neurodivergent characters, so it was great with a book where both of the MCs are neurodivergent. Now and then I'll come across a character that seems autistic/neurodivergent, but it's not explicitly mentioned in the book. So it was nice to get it confirmed in this one.
I listened to the audiobook and Iggy Toma did a great job with the narration, just as expected.
With Lyric and Yuri getting their book, I will dare to dream of a book for Scout. I would love to read about him and see him find his HEA. ♡
A little side note about the Nobel Prize: The first time the Nobel Prize was mentioned in the book I thought it was a joke. A fun and silly way to say that Yuri was smart. But towards the end of the book it was more and more clear that Yuri supposedly was a Nobel laureate...I don't buy it. I'm just going to pretend that it was a funny way of saying "hey, this guy is super smart" rather than the actual thing. I'm not saying he might never have one. If the work he's already done is worthy of a prize, he might get one in a few decades. The people who got the physics one last year got it for work they did in the mid 1980's. It's quite usual to get it decades after the actual work/discovery was done.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌴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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
September 10, 2026
I'm not sure how I feel about this
Is a Nobel prize winner in physics perfect for a stoned beach bum?
I struggled with this book, even though I loved the other Palm Island books. Lyric is basically stoned all the time. He's living his best life, and how he's pulling it off wasn't a surprise to me. I don't think it's healthy to live that way, and that's problem #1.
This is a second chance romance, with the initial problem being geographical incompatibility and lack of communication. This is problem #2 for me, because I love getting to know the guys, and if they already know each other, there isn't so much of that.
Problem #3 is Yuri being a physics... lab guy. I get the feeling the author has no idea what people do in physics. All we ever learn about his Nobel-worthy work is that it involved computer modelling. Yuri has no friends or family worth contacting about his romantic problems over he summer. He doesn't know what he wants to do, if not what he was doing. He's a little autistic, and that's most of his personality. He does not make friends with other people on the island, even though Pete seems like a good friend match.
These guys have good chemistry, and this book has lots of sex, if that's what you're looking for. There is a new "secret spot" on the island to discover, and we get to see characters from past books in the series.
Is a Nobel prize winner in physics perfect for a stoned beach bum?
I struggled with this book, even though I loved the other Palm Island books. Lyric is basically stoned all the time. He's living his best life, and how he's pulling it off wasn't a surprise to me. I don't think it's healthy to live that way, and that's problem #1.
This is a second chance romance, with the initial problem being geographical incompatibility and lack of communication. This is problem #2 for me, because I love getting to know the guys, and if they already know each other, there isn't so much of that.
Problem #3 is Yuri being a physics... lab guy. I get the feeling the author has no idea what people do in physics. All we ever learn about his Nobel-worthy work is that it involved computer modelling. Yuri has no friends or family worth contacting about his romantic problems over he summer. He doesn't know what he wants to do, if not what he was doing. He's a little autistic, and that's most of his personality. He does not make friends with other people on the island, even though Pete seems like a good friend match.
These guys have good chemistry, and this book has lots of sex, if that's what you're looking for. There is a new "secret spot" on the island to discover, and we get to see characters from past books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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