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The Perfect Melody: A Small Town Secret Identity Romance
She’s hiding her identity. He’s hiding his heart. Could a romance between them hit all the right notes?
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Austin Bowman needs to focus on the grand reopening of his family’s bar, not the woman who just destroyed his beer garden. When his mother insists he give Cassie a job so she can work off the cost of repairs, he knows it’s a bad idea. Cassie’s young, reckless, and only in town for the summer. Plus, it’s obvious she’s hiding something. Austin’s determined to avoid her as much as possible, but then the band booked for the reopening cancels last-minute and Cassie steps up to save the night.
No longer at odds, Austin and Cassie find it increasingly difficult to resist each other. Eventually their chemistry reaches a crescendo. But what will happen when Cassie’s secret comes out? Will the life she’s been building go from major to minor, or will Austin and Cassie find their perfect melody?
The Perfect Melody is book 1 in the small town romance series Pine Grove. Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Austin Bowman needs to focus on the grand reopening of his family’s bar, not the woman who just destroyed his beer garden. When his mother insists he give Cassie a job so she can work off the cost of repairs, he knows it’s a bad idea. Cassie’s young, reckless, and only in town for the summer. Plus, it’s obvious she’s hiding something. Austin’s determined to avoid her as much as possible, but then the band booked for the reopening cancels last-minute and Cassie steps up to save the night.
No longer at odds, Austin and Cassie find it increasingly difficult to resist each other. Eventually their chemistry reaches a crescendo. But what will happen when Cassie’s secret comes out? Will the life she’s been building go from major to minor, or will Austin and Cassie find their perfect melody?
The Perfect Melody is book 1 in the small town romance series Pine Grove. Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
- GenresRomance
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 5, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, but it ended up being such an enjoyable surprise.
What stood out most to me was Cassie’s journey of stepping away from the life that had always been chosen for her and slowly rediscovering who she was. The small English countryside setting added so much charm, and Pine Grove quickly became a place I loved escaping to.
Cassie was easily my favorite part of the story. Watching her find confidence, meaningful friendships, and her love for music again was just as rewarding as the romance. Austin took a little longer to grow on me, but I really liked the quieter way their relationship developed through everyday moments rather than constant drama. Their chemistry felt natural, and I also appreciated how much attention was given to healing and found family alongside the romance.
While I would have loved a little more emotional depth in a few places, I still finished this with a smile. It was a heartfelt, comforting read with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with, and it definitely left me interested in returning to Pine Grove for the next book.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt small-town romance.
~~~~
Huge thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, but it ended up being such an enjoyable surprise.
What stood out most to me was Cassie’s journey of stepping away from the life that had always been chosen for her and slowly rediscovering who she was. The small English countryside setting added so much charm, and Pine Grove quickly became a place I loved escaping to.
Cassie was easily my favorite part of the story. Watching her find confidence, meaningful friendships, and her love for music again was just as rewarding as the romance. Austin took a little longer to grow on me, but I really liked the quieter way their relationship developed through everyday moments rather than constant drama. Their chemistry felt natural, and I also appreciated how much attention was given to healing and found family alongside the romance.
While I would have loved a little more emotional depth in a few places, I still finished this with a smile. It was a heartfelt, comforting read with characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with, and it definitely left me interested in returning to Pine Grove for the next book.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt small-town romance.
~~~~
Huge thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 22, 2026
5🌟
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the ARC of this book! 💌
THE MOST UNEXPECTED PERFECT TIMING FIVE STARS EVER. I had LITTLE TO NO background knowledge of this author so I had no expectation but OMG this book. DRAGGED ME OUT OF A SLUMP. AND REVIVED ME.
With each page I loved the characters more and more. From the very beginning I really liked Cassie and Austin but the more I read the more it developed into a deep love. Like just thinking about them makes my heart clench. I want to reread it already. Want to own a physical copy.
I took a lot out of it. Even if the EXACT circumstances were definitely not relatable I still found relatability in it, in both the characters. It just felt special.
I loved the escaping to a small town, IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE (SO rare for a book honestly and I ADORED that setting) it was so atmospheric, and her learning how to love life again or more so falling in love with life for the first time. Honestly I feel emotional writing this. It just felt like such a SOULFUL book. That’s the way I’d describe this. It elicits such epic feelings from the growth that Cassie specifically goes through and as well as Austin.
I loved the small moments of them building up to something bigger. The moments in the rain. In the bar. On the walk. Every minor conversation that made Cassie feel like an actual human. To remind her of the importance of herself was truly special.
I said to my best friend this was such an unexpected and gradual five stars and proceeded to tell her this was my timeline of it:
‘I just like kept on reading and I was like I’m lowkey loving this, I’m LOVING this, I LOVE THEM. THIS HAS REVIVED ME LOVE IT FIVE STARS.’
Their chemistry was TRULY EPIC. Like I find it very difficult to read books and have a unique chemistry between characters. Where romance books have copies of copies it just seems like repetitions of not only tropes but also character behaviours and personalities which feeds into their chemistry with the love interest. However, the author did SUCH an amazing job at crafting an original chemistry between them. Speaking of chemistry can we talk about the SPICE. Also incredibly well written. So well written. Really balanced the story out perfectly and added to the intensity of their feelings for each other. If this is how C.G writes spice all the time in her books then she needs an award for well written spice.
I loved the originality to the way the storyline was revealed. I’m trying to keep this spoiler free as much as I can without blabbing EVERYTHING. Let’s just put it this way. I’m glad that Cassie at least got to tell the most important person.
Some of these characters…made me feel pure RAGE. When you read this book, you’ll know. 2 of them. Came from the deepest depths of hell. But honestly we’re both just as pathetic as each other.
Thank you again, both LoveNotes PR for this opportunity and to C.G Murray for writing another novel and that as my first impression you did not disappoint! I hope you are incredibly proud of your work and that like Cassie you always remember the heart of your passion.
🌲QUOTES🌲
- please note these contain POTENTIAL SPOILERS
“One of these days you’ll realise there’s more to life than work.”
Tonight I’m pushing all the worry, guilt, and what-ifs aside and letting myself enjoy the almost foreign feeling flowing through my body. I’m allowing myself to be happy.
“Love is more than a feeling. Love is people knowing each other for everything they are—the good and the bad—and still choosing to walk through life together. Cassie chose to share her secret with you. That means she’s offering you more than her trust. She’s giving you the opportunity to love her.” He takes a sip of his coffee before pinning me with a stern look. “Now you have a decision to make. Is Cassie someone you can choose to love every day, even when it’s hard, even when you’re not at your best?” My time with Cassie flashes through my mind. She may not have been in Pine Grove for long, but Cassie’s become an integral part of my life without even trying. Even if a future with her may not be as peaceful as I imagined, it’s worth it. She is worth it.
Knowing who you are now, I’m well aware there’s nothing I could get for you that you don’t already have, so I’ve decided not to go big. You left big and flashy behind for a reason. I think you came to Pine Grove looking for a home, even if you didn’t realise it at first. That’s what I’d like to give you—when you’re ready.” I nudge the green Monopoly house towards her.
“I know. I also know you’re aware of how fortunate you are to have all these amazing things and experiences in your life. That doesn’t mean you can’t also grieve the pieces of yourself you lost or that were taken from you along the way.”
“I’ve told you not to call me Melody. My name is Cassandra—you should know, you gave it to me. It’s the only thing you’ve given me worth keeping.”
“My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
And an honourable mention for the original song that Cassie first sang in Bowman’s.
🎶 What do you want from me All the blood I can bleed Spent so long trying to be enough, but the shards of your love cut me up What do you want from me My freedom and dignity These choices are no longer mine, lost all my power somewhere along the line. You tell people I’m crazy and too much Then behind closed doors you say I’m never enough I keep trying to fight, but it’s no use Your games are rigged so I’ll always lose You twist my words just to twist the knife I’ve been walking wounded most of my life They say time heals, but not with you Time is how you’ve stolen all my youth. 🎶
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the ARC of this book! 💌
THE MOST UNEXPECTED PERFECT TIMING FIVE STARS EVER. I had LITTLE TO NO background knowledge of this author so I had no expectation but OMG this book. DRAGGED ME OUT OF A SLUMP. AND REVIVED ME.
With each page I loved the characters more and more. From the very beginning I really liked Cassie and Austin but the more I read the more it developed into a deep love. Like just thinking about them makes my heart clench. I want to reread it already. Want to own a physical copy.
I took a lot out of it. Even if the EXACT circumstances were definitely not relatable I still found relatability in it, in both the characters. It just felt special.
I loved the escaping to a small town, IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE (SO rare for a book honestly and I ADORED that setting) it was so atmospheric, and her learning how to love life again or more so falling in love with life for the first time. Honestly I feel emotional writing this. It just felt like such a SOULFUL book. That’s the way I’d describe this. It elicits such epic feelings from the growth that Cassie specifically goes through and as well as Austin.
I loved the small moments of them building up to something bigger. The moments in the rain. In the bar. On the walk. Every minor conversation that made Cassie feel like an actual human. To remind her of the importance of herself was truly special.
I said to my best friend this was such an unexpected and gradual five stars and proceeded to tell her this was my timeline of it:
‘I just like kept on reading and I was like I’m lowkey loving this, I’m LOVING this, I LOVE THEM. THIS HAS REVIVED ME LOVE IT FIVE STARS.’
Their chemistry was TRULY EPIC. Like I find it very difficult to read books and have a unique chemistry between characters. Where romance books have copies of copies it just seems like repetitions of not only tropes but also character behaviours and personalities which feeds into their chemistry with the love interest. However, the author did SUCH an amazing job at crafting an original chemistry between them. Speaking of chemistry can we talk about the SPICE. Also incredibly well written. So well written. Really balanced the story out perfectly and added to the intensity of their feelings for each other. If this is how C.G writes spice all the time in her books then she needs an award for well written spice.
I loved the originality to the way the storyline was revealed. I’m trying to keep this spoiler free as much as I can without blabbing EVERYTHING. Let’s just put it this way. I’m glad that Cassie at least got to tell the most important person.
Some of these characters…made me feel pure RAGE. When you read this book, you’ll know. 2 of them. Came from the deepest depths of hell. But honestly we’re both just as pathetic as each other.
Thank you again, both LoveNotes PR for this opportunity and to C.G Murray for writing another novel and that as my first impression you did not disappoint! I hope you are incredibly proud of your work and that like Cassie you always remember the heart of your passion.
🌲QUOTES🌲
- please note these contain POTENTIAL SPOILERS
“One of these days you’ll realise there’s more to life than work.”
Tonight I’m pushing all the worry, guilt, and what-ifs aside and letting myself enjoy the almost foreign feeling flowing through my body. I’m allowing myself to be happy.
“Love is more than a feeling. Love is people knowing each other for everything they are—the good and the bad—and still choosing to walk through life together. Cassie chose to share her secret with you. That means she’s offering you more than her trust. She’s giving you the opportunity to love her.” He takes a sip of his coffee before pinning me with a stern look. “Now you have a decision to make. Is Cassie someone you can choose to love every day, even when it’s hard, even when you’re not at your best?” My time with Cassie flashes through my mind. She may not have been in Pine Grove for long, but Cassie’s become an integral part of my life without even trying. Even if a future with her may not be as peaceful as I imagined, it’s worth it. She is worth it.
Knowing who you are now, I’m well aware there’s nothing I could get for you that you don’t already have, so I’ve decided not to go big. You left big and flashy behind for a reason. I think you came to Pine Grove looking for a home, even if you didn’t realise it at first. That’s what I’d like to give you—when you’re ready.” I nudge the green Monopoly house towards her.
“I know. I also know you’re aware of how fortunate you are to have all these amazing things and experiences in your life. That doesn’t mean you can’t also grieve the pieces of yourself you lost or that were taken from you along the way.”
“I’ve told you not to call me Melody. My name is Cassandra—you should know, you gave it to me. It’s the only thing you’ve given me worth keeping.”
“My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
And an honourable mention for the original song that Cassie first sang in Bowman’s.
🎶 What do you want from me All the blood I can bleed Spent so long trying to be enough, but the shards of your love cut me up What do you want from me My freedom and dignity These choices are no longer mine, lost all my power somewhere along the line. You tell people I’m crazy and too much Then behind closed doors you say I’m never enough I keep trying to fight, but it’s no use Your games are rigged so I’ll always lose You twist my words just to twist the knife I’ve been walking wounded most of my life They say time heals, but not with you Time is how you’ve stolen all my youth. 🎶
August 6, 2026
Austin and Cassie were so good. The meet-cute was perfect. The friends were so good. Austin was a true grump but he could show his soft side with Cassie. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 stars.
"The Perfect Melody" by C.G. Murray is a sweet enough book, but I feel like I didn't get as ingrained in it as I hoped I would, given its intriguing premise. I wasn't super or overly invested in the romance between Cassie (FMC) and Austin (MMC). Something prevented me from caring about whether or not they ended up together. I mostly cared about Cassie, who is a world-famous country music "princess" with the stage name Melody Night. She has no autonomy, can't make any decisions on her own, and doesn't even get time off after ending her massive world tour because of her mom/manager, Miranda. In an effort to find out who she really is without her horrific Miranda breathing down her neck and doing everything for money, Cassie flees to the small English town of Pine Grove without telling anyone where she's going. On her first day there, an accident happens, and she runs into Austin, who offers her a job in exchange for the money she owes him for the accident. She starts working at the family bar he is about to reopen as its new operator/owner, and while it takes a while for him to warm up to her, eventually, Austin comes around to Cassie, and the spark between them grows. It took me a while to come around to Austin as the MMC. There's not a lot to him, honestly. He's sort of a dull MMC. He was an unnecessary jerk for a large portion of the book, frustrating to a fault. Even when the two of them start hooking up, he still sort of digs at her about the accident at the beginning of the book. It never really felt teasing to me? Cassie swears he softens earlier than I thought he did. I never really felt any tension or yearning or pining between them, not in the slightest. It's also an age-gap romance, but it never actually feels like it until someone says it directly. I guess that's what it boils down to: there's a lot of telling, not a lot of showing, so the romance aspect fell completely flat for me. I did, however, like Cassie as the FMC. I appreciated her character arc. I think everything with her character is well executed and quite fun to read. I love how Cassie was embraced by the Pine Grove community, from Ant, her bodyguard, to Austin's mom, to the ladies she befriends and gets coffee with, even the other people she works with at the bar, apart from Molly. The ending of the book also felt very bland and totally underwhelming. It's not a bad book, just a little underwhelming, apart from Cassie's character development.
Thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"The Perfect Melody" by C.G. Murray is a sweet enough book, but I feel like I didn't get as ingrained in it as I hoped I would, given its intriguing premise. I wasn't super or overly invested in the romance between Cassie (FMC) and Austin (MMC). Something prevented me from caring about whether or not they ended up together. I mostly cared about Cassie, who is a world-famous country music "princess" with the stage name Melody Night. She has no autonomy, can't make any decisions on her own, and doesn't even get time off after ending her massive world tour because of her mom/manager, Miranda. In an effort to find out who she really is without her horrific Miranda breathing down her neck and doing everything for money, Cassie flees to the small English town of Pine Grove without telling anyone where she's going. On her first day there, an accident happens, and she runs into Austin, who offers her a job in exchange for the money she owes him for the accident. She starts working at the family bar he is about to reopen as its new operator/owner, and while it takes a while for him to warm up to her, eventually, Austin comes around to Cassie, and the spark between them grows. It took me a while to come around to Austin as the MMC. There's not a lot to him, honestly. He's sort of a dull MMC. He was an unnecessary jerk for a large portion of the book, frustrating to a fault. Even when the two of them start hooking up, he still sort of digs at her about the accident at the beginning of the book. It never really felt teasing to me? Cassie swears he softens earlier than I thought he did. I never really felt any tension or yearning or pining between them, not in the slightest. It's also an age-gap romance, but it never actually feels like it until someone says it directly. I guess that's what it boils down to: there's a lot of telling, not a lot of showing, so the romance aspect fell completely flat for me. I did, however, like Cassie as the FMC. I appreciated her character arc. I think everything with her character is well executed and quite fun to read. I love how Cassie was embraced by the Pine Grove community, from Ant, her bodyguard, to Austin's mom, to the ladies she befriends and gets coffee with, even the other people she works with at the bar, apart from Molly. The ending of the book also felt very bland and totally underwhelming. It's not a bad book, just a little underwhelming, apart from Cassie's character development.
Thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 7, 2026
Okay, Austin and Cassie were SO good together. 🥹 Their meet-cute had me hooked, and watching Austin go from basically wanting nothing to do with Cassie to completely falling for her? I ate that up.
Austin was the ultimate grump, but I loved seeing that softer side come out around Cassie. Their chemistry was so good, and the little moments between them were definitely my favorite.
Cassie’s relationship with her mom was frustrating at times, and I definitely found myself wanting her to stand up for herself more. But it added another layer to her journey and made watching her find her confidence even more satisfying.
The friends were also such a fun addition, and I loved the small-town atmosphere.
If you love:
🤍 Grumpy × sunshine
🎶 Small-town romance
✨ Secret identity
💕 He falls first
🔥 Grumpy hero who becomes completely obsessed
Austin was the ultimate grump, but I loved seeing that softer side come out around Cassie. Their chemistry was so good, and the little moments between them were definitely my favorite.
Cassie’s relationship with her mom was frustrating at times, and I definitely found myself wanting her to stand up for herself more. But it added another layer to her journey and made watching her find her confidence even more satisfying.
The friends were also such a fun addition, and I loved the small-town atmosphere.
If you love:
🤍 Grumpy × sunshine
🎶 Small-town romance
✨ Secret identity
💕 He falls first
🔥 Grumpy hero who becomes completely obsessed
August 5, 2026
I really enjoyed the book and loved the later romance between Cassie and Austin. But I was a bit hesistant at first, since Cassie lets her mother really walk all over her, sometimes even being physically hurtful and mostly quite manipulative. How can anybody over the age of 16 let that happen?
But of course, it makes for a good story line and books don't have to be 100% realistic.
If you love a man going from loathing someone to worshipping them, read this book. It was quite a ride!
But of course, it makes for a good story line and books don't have to be 100% realistic.
If you love a man going from loathing someone to worshipping them, read this book. It was quite a ride!
July 29, 2026
📖 ARC REVIEW📖 3 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
Tropes:
Secret identity
Famous country singer
Grumpy bar owner
Slow burn
Cassie and Austin story is so cute! I do feel like it was a bit drawn out but I love the way they meet with her literally crashing into his life. Can she find the courage to stand up to the people that puts her down? Or will she always run?
Tropes:
Secret identity
Famous country singer
Grumpy bar owner
Slow burn
Cassie and Austin story is so cute! I do feel like it was a bit drawn out but I love the way they meet with her literally crashing into his life. Can she find the courage to stand up to the people that puts her down? Or will she always run?
August 2, 2026
She’s hiding her identity. He’s hiding his heart. Could a romance between them hit all the right notes?
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Austin Bowman needs to focus on the grand reopening of his family’s bar, not the woman who just destroyed his beer garden. When his mother insists he give Cassie a job so she can work off the cost of repairs, he knows it’s a bad idea. Cassie’s young, reckless, and only in town for the summer. Plus, it’s obvious she’s hiding something. Austin’s determined to avoid her as much as possible, but then the band booked for the reopening cancels last-minute, and Cassie steps up to save the night.
No longer at odds, Austin and Cassie find it increasingly difficult to resist each other. Eventually their chemistry reaches a crescendo. But what will happen when Cassie’s secret comes out? Will the life she’s been building go from major to minor, or will Austin and Cassie find their perfect melody?
Tropes: Small-Town Romance, Secret Identity, Hidden Celebrity, Fish Out of Water, Opposites Attract, Grumpy × Sunshine, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace Romance, Slow-Burn Romance, Small-Town Community, Found Family, Summer Romance, Only Here Temporarily, Protective MMC, Guarded MMC, Celebrity × Ordinary Person, Running from Fame, Fresh Start/New Beginning, Learning to Be Yourself, Healing Through Love, Finding Home, Life Beyond the Spotlight, The Big Secret, Secret Revealed, Last-Minute Heroics, Family Business, Second Chances at Happiness, Cozy Small Town, Family-Owned Pub/Bar, Country Music Elements, Escape to the Countryside, Close-Knit Community, Secret Celebrity × Ordinary MMC, Small-Town Escape, Slow-Burn, Secret Identity, Workplace Romance, Summer Romance, Found Family, Music-Themed Romance, Opposites Attract, Soft Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Hidden Past/Hidden Identity, Fresh Start, Protective, Guarded MMC, Emotional, Feel-Good Contemporary Romance
The Perfect Melody is A Small-Town Secret Identity Romance by C.G. Murray. The Perfect Melody is book 1 in the small-town romance series Pine Grove. Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
The Perfect Melody, C.G. Murray's first book in the Pine Grove Series, presents a scene of a street wet from the rain, with the smell of soil and potential rising in waves. In this setting, small-town romance is more than just a background element; it is a vibrant and living presence, secret identities appear at the periphery of conversations, and art serves as a gentle resurrection, bringing the spirits who have been lost back into the light. I bought this first novel without having any guide or map, the only thing affecting me being the heavy feeling of having been stuck in reading for a while. When I reached the third page, I sensed the world shifting and the previous unpleasantness disappearing as Murray's narrative worked its way beneath my skin.
In Murray's hands, the English countryside is more than just a background; it has a vital beat, with the hedgerows, mist curls, and leaves whispering secrets to anyone who is willing to listen. The village seems to breathe around Cassie, drawing her out of her numb routine into a state that is both genuine and vivid, as though the world as a whole is working behind the scenes to teach her how to fall in love with living once more, even if only for a few brief moments. When I had finished, the quiet in my room seemed holy, and I felt a strong, immediate desire to start all over again.
Cassie and Austin's story develops in the quiet that exists between the raindrops, in the touch of a sleeve or in the remaining warmth of a shared glance across a full bar. Their bond is not built through bold statements but through the gradual buildup of little, personal moments, such as a hand hovering just above another's and laughter that is caught and retained in the throat. Each look and each half-smile carries a kind of electricity that seems both accidental and certain. Murray allows their longing to build up slowly, never rushing the process, so that the tension increases until it hums just below the surface, the intimacy of their interactions being smoothly integrated into the course of their emotional experience.
Although the novel's core lies outside the realm of romance, trust and secrecy run throughout the book, with each new revelation like a slow trickle of candle wax that moulds the shadows surrounding Mary Meredith's grief and her fragile hope. The supporting characters appear and disappear, sometimes vivid, sometimes gentle, and whatever impact they have leaves either a bruise or a soothing effect. Cassie's secret is a locked drawer, noticeable only in the way her hands shake or her glance wavers; each hint is inserted so gently that you almost fail to notice it, yet never entirely miss it.
The Perfect Melody is more a hymn about healing than a love story, celebrating the unusual transformation that takes place when strangers become vital sources of support. The village acts like a cocoon, enclosing its injured within warmth and rain and the slow, persistent hope of new beginnings. For anyone who has ever needed to find their way back to themselves, this book is like a lantern in the dusk, a narrative that shines with the sorrow and sweetness of being alive.
Having now got my first look at Murray's world, I feel as if I should place The Perfect Melody on my shelf like a dried wildflower, tangible evidence that something beautiful once grew here; and I'm already listening out for the next note in the Pine Grove Series, looking forward to seeing where it takes us.
Will the story of Cassie remain with you as it has remained with me? If you are anything like me, you'll discover the echoes of hers still lingering long after the final page, a melody which you can't quite get rid of.
My Favourite Quotes from The Perfect Melody were:
Please note these contain POTENTIAL SPOILERS
“One of these days you’ll realize there’s more to life than work.”
‘Tonight I’m pushing all the worry, guilt, and what-ifs aside and letting myself enjoy the almost foreign feeling flowing through my body. I’m allowing myself to be happy.’
“Love is more than a feeling. Love is people knowing each other for everything they are—the good and the bad—and still choosing to walk through life together. Cassie chose to share her secret with you. That means she’s offering you more than her trust. She’s giving you the opportunity to love her.” He takes a sip of his coffee before pinning me with a stern look. “Now you have a decision to make. Is Cassie someone you can choose to love every day, even when it’s hard, even when you’re not at your best?” My time with Cassie flashes through my mind. She may not have been in Pine Grove for long, but Cassie’s become an integral part of my life without even trying. Even if a future with her may not be as peaceful as I imagined, it’s worth it. She is worth it.”
“Knowing who you are now, I’m well aware there’s nothing I could get for you that you don’t already have, so I’ve decided not to go big. You left big and flashy behind for a reason. I think you came to Pine Grove looking for a home, even if you didn’t realise it at first. That’s what I’d like to give you—when you’re ready.” I nudge the green Monopoly house towards her.”
“I know. I also know you’re aware of how fortunate you are to have all these amazing things and experiences in your life. That doesn’t mean you can’t also grieve the pieces of yourself you lost or that were taken from you along the way.”
“I’ve told you not to call me Melody. My name is Cassandra—you should know, you gave it to me. It’s the only thing you’ve given me worth keeping.”
“My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
‘And an honourable mention for the original song that Cassie first sang in Bowman’s.’
“What do you want from me All the blood I can bleed Spent so long trying to be enough, but the shards of your love cut me up What do you want from me My freedom and dignity These choices are no longer mine, lost all my power somewhere along the line. You tell people I’m crazy and too much Then behind closed doors you say I’m never enough I keep trying to fight, but it’s no use Your games are rigged so I’ll always lose You twist my words just to twist the knife I’ve been walking wounded most of my life They say time heals, but not with you Time is how you’ve stolen all my youth.”
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Austin Bowman needs to focus on the grand reopening of his family’s bar, not the woman who just destroyed his beer garden. When his mother insists he give Cassie a job so she can work off the cost of repairs, he knows it’s a bad idea. Cassie’s young, reckless, and only in town for the summer. Plus, it’s obvious she’s hiding something. Austin’s determined to avoid her as much as possible, but then the band booked for the reopening cancels last-minute, and Cassie steps up to save the night.
No longer at odds, Austin and Cassie find it increasingly difficult to resist each other. Eventually their chemistry reaches a crescendo. But what will happen when Cassie’s secret comes out? Will the life she’s been building go from major to minor, or will Austin and Cassie find their perfect melody?
Tropes: Small-Town Romance, Secret Identity, Hidden Celebrity, Fish Out of Water, Opposites Attract, Grumpy × Sunshine, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace Romance, Slow-Burn Romance, Small-Town Community, Found Family, Summer Romance, Only Here Temporarily, Protective MMC, Guarded MMC, Celebrity × Ordinary Person, Running from Fame, Fresh Start/New Beginning, Learning to Be Yourself, Healing Through Love, Finding Home, Life Beyond the Spotlight, The Big Secret, Secret Revealed, Last-Minute Heroics, Family Business, Second Chances at Happiness, Cozy Small Town, Family-Owned Pub/Bar, Country Music Elements, Escape to the Countryside, Close-Knit Community, Secret Celebrity × Ordinary MMC, Small-Town Escape, Slow-Burn, Secret Identity, Workplace Romance, Summer Romance, Found Family, Music-Themed Romance, Opposites Attract, Soft Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Hidden Past/Hidden Identity, Fresh Start, Protective, Guarded MMC, Emotional, Feel-Good Contemporary Romance
The Perfect Melody is A Small-Town Secret Identity Romance by C.G. Murray. The Perfect Melody is book 1 in the small-town romance series Pine Grove. Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone, although I recommend reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.
The Perfect Melody, C.G. Murray's first book in the Pine Grove Series, presents a scene of a street wet from the rain, with the smell of soil and potential rising in waves. In this setting, small-town romance is more than just a background element; it is a vibrant and living presence, secret identities appear at the periphery of conversations, and art serves as a gentle resurrection, bringing the spirits who have been lost back into the light. I bought this first novel without having any guide or map, the only thing affecting me being the heavy feeling of having been stuck in reading for a while. When I reached the third page, I sensed the world shifting and the previous unpleasantness disappearing as Murray's narrative worked its way beneath my skin.
In Murray's hands, the English countryside is more than just a background; it has a vital beat, with the hedgerows, mist curls, and leaves whispering secrets to anyone who is willing to listen. The village seems to breathe around Cassie, drawing her out of her numb routine into a state that is both genuine and vivid, as though the world as a whole is working behind the scenes to teach her how to fall in love with living once more, even if only for a few brief moments. When I had finished, the quiet in my room seemed holy, and I felt a strong, immediate desire to start all over again.
Cassie and Austin's story develops in the quiet that exists between the raindrops, in the touch of a sleeve or in the remaining warmth of a shared glance across a full bar. Their bond is not built through bold statements but through the gradual buildup of little, personal moments, such as a hand hovering just above another's and laughter that is caught and retained in the throat. Each look and each half-smile carries a kind of electricity that seems both accidental and certain. Murray allows their longing to build up slowly, never rushing the process, so that the tension increases until it hums just below the surface, the intimacy of their interactions being smoothly integrated into the course of their emotional experience.
Although the novel's core lies outside the realm of romance, trust and secrecy run throughout the book, with each new revelation like a slow trickle of candle wax that moulds the shadows surrounding Mary Meredith's grief and her fragile hope. The supporting characters appear and disappear, sometimes vivid, sometimes gentle, and whatever impact they have leaves either a bruise or a soothing effect. Cassie's secret is a locked drawer, noticeable only in the way her hands shake or her glance wavers; each hint is inserted so gently that you almost fail to notice it, yet never entirely miss it.
The Perfect Melody is more a hymn about healing than a love story, celebrating the unusual transformation that takes place when strangers become vital sources of support. The village acts like a cocoon, enclosing its injured within warmth and rain and the slow, persistent hope of new beginnings. For anyone who has ever needed to find their way back to themselves, this book is like a lantern in the dusk, a narrative that shines with the sorrow and sweetness of being alive.
Having now got my first look at Murray's world, I feel as if I should place The Perfect Melody on my shelf like a dried wildflower, tangible evidence that something beautiful once grew here; and I'm already listening out for the next note in the Pine Grove Series, looking forward to seeing where it takes us.
Will the story of Cassie remain with you as it has remained with me? If you are anything like me, you'll discover the echoes of hers still lingering long after the final page, a melody which you can't quite get rid of.
My Favourite Quotes from The Perfect Melody were:
Please note these contain POTENTIAL SPOILERS
“One of these days you’ll realize there’s more to life than work.”
‘Tonight I’m pushing all the worry, guilt, and what-ifs aside and letting myself enjoy the almost foreign feeling flowing through my body. I’m allowing myself to be happy.’
“Love is more than a feeling. Love is people knowing each other for everything they are—the good and the bad—and still choosing to walk through life together. Cassie chose to share her secret with you. That means she’s offering you more than her trust. She’s giving you the opportunity to love her.” He takes a sip of his coffee before pinning me with a stern look. “Now you have a decision to make. Is Cassie someone you can choose to love every day, even when it’s hard, even when you’re not at your best?” My time with Cassie flashes through my mind. She may not have been in Pine Grove for long, but Cassie’s become an integral part of my life without even trying. Even if a future with her may not be as peaceful as I imagined, it’s worth it. She is worth it.”
“Knowing who you are now, I’m well aware there’s nothing I could get for you that you don’t already have, so I’ve decided not to go big. You left big and flashy behind for a reason. I think you came to Pine Grove looking for a home, even if you didn’t realise it at first. That’s what I’d like to give you—when you’re ready.” I nudge the green Monopoly house towards her.”
“I know. I also know you’re aware of how fortunate you are to have all these amazing things and experiences in your life. That doesn’t mean you can’t also grieve the pieces of yourself you lost or that were taken from you along the way.”
“I’ve told you not to call me Melody. My name is Cassandra—you should know, you gave it to me. It’s the only thing you’ve given me worth keeping.”
“My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
‘And an honourable mention for the original song that Cassie first sang in Bowman’s.’
“What do you want from me All the blood I can bleed Spent so long trying to be enough, but the shards of your love cut me up What do you want from me My freedom and dignity These choices are no longer mine, lost all my power somewhere along the line. You tell people I’m crazy and too much Then behind closed doors you say I’m never enough I keep trying to fight, but it’s no use Your games are rigged so I’ll always lose You twist my words just to twist the knife I’ve been walking wounded most of my life They say time heals, but not with you Time is how you’ve stolen all my youth.”
August 14, 2026
“𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮, 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨.”
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
New-to-me author + a book about a famous country singer running away from her entire life to hide in a tiny English town?
Okay. I’m listening. 🎶
Cassie St. James is technically one of the most famous women in country music.
Except the world doesn’t know Cassie.
They know Melody Night.
And Cassie?
She is EXHAUSTED.
So she does what any completely rational internationally famous musician would do:
Changes her appearance.
Runs away to the English countryside.
Attempts to become a Normal Person™️.
Naturally, within approximately five minutes of arriving, she manages to destroy Austin Bowman’s beer garden.
😭
Ma’am.
Incognito is supposed to mean not drawing attention to yourself.
And Austin is understandably like:
Who the hell is this woman and why is she destroying my property?
Unfortunately for him, his mother decides Cassie can work at their bar to pay off the damages.
HELLO FORCED PROXIMITY. 😌
Austin wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
She’s younger.
She’s reckless.
She’s clearly hiding something.
She’s only staying for the summer.
And most importantly, she’s currently a pain directly in his ass.
Which obviously means…
He’s about to fall disgustingly in love with her.
My favorite genre of man.
And I really loved watching their relationship shift.
It wasn’t I hate you on Tuesday and suddenly I’m declaring my undying love on Thursday.
They had all these little moments together that slowly changed how they saw each other.
The conversations.
The bar.
The walks.
The moments in the rain.
Austin slowly realizing there is SO much more underneath Cassie’s chaotic exterior.
And Cassie getting to experience something she hasn’t had in a very long time:
Being treated like a person instead of a product.
That part really worked for me.
Because while this is obviously a romance, Cassie’s story is also about figuring out who the hell she is when she isn’t Melody Night.
When there aren’t cameras.
When there aren’t expectations.
When she isn’t performing.
When someone isn’t making a decision for her career.
Who is Cassie when she gets to simply…exist?
And watching her slowly fall in love with her own life while simultaneously falling for Austin was probably my favorite part of the book. 🥹
But let’s discuss Austin.
Because GRUMPY MEN WHO BECOME SOFT FOR ONE WOMAN REMAIN UNDEFEATED.
At first he’s basically:
Please leave my bar, my town, my general vicinity and preferably the entire United Kingdom.
And then Cassie sings.
Suddenly, sir has QUESTIONS.
👀
Watching that grumpy exterior slowly crack was delicious because once Austin started caring about her, it was OVER.
He fell first.
My favorite disease to inflict upon fictional men.
And their chemistry???
HELLO???
For such a sweet, atmospheric small-town romance, C.G. Murray absolutely knew when to turn up the temperature. 🔥
It never felt like the physical side was thrown in just because romance books are “supposed” to have it, either. By the time they finally gave in to what was happening between them, there was enough emotional connection behind it that it actually meant something.
WE LOVE CHEMISTRY WITH PLOT.
I also need more romances set in the English countryside, please and thank you.
Small-town romance is everywhere, but getting that cozy little village feeling outside the typical American setting was such a nice change.
Give me the pub.
Give me the locals knowing everyone’s business.
Give me countryside walks.
Give me the famous country singer desperately attempting to cosplay as a regular civilian while everyone around her is completely unaware.
I was having a GREAT time.
And obviously we have the ticking time bomb hanging over everything:
Austin doesn’t know who she really is.
🥴
Secret identity romances stress me OUT because I’m sitting there watching these people fall in love while mentally screaming:
GIRL. YOU HAVE GOT TO TELL THAT MAN BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES.
Because we all know how this works.
Secrets never politely wait until you’re ready.
Still, I appreciated how the reveal was handled, especially because Cassie’s entire journey is so wrapped up in finally taking control of her own life and deciding who gets access to the real version of her.
There were also a couple characters in this book who made me want to crawl through my Kindle.
You know who you are.
Count your days.
😌
But overall, this was such a lovely surprise from an author I’d never read before.
It had romance and heat, but underneath everything was this really sweet story about identity, burnout, friendship, finding somewhere you belong, and learning that the version of yourself everyone else wants doesn’t necessarily have to be the version you keep giving them.
And Austin and Cassie?
Yeah.
I GET IT.
The grumpy bar owner and the runaway country princess got me.
🎶 Secret Identity
🌳 English Countryside
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🍺 Forced Proximity / Workplace
🎤 Famous Singer FMC
🫠 He Falls First
🏡 Small-Town Romance
💕 Found Friendship
🔥 Chemistry & Spice
✨ Finding Yourself
🤫 Hidden Celebrity
💗 Grumpy Man Goes Soft
C.G. Murray, you were completely new to me before this.
You officially have my attention. 🎶🤍
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
New-to-me author + a book about a famous country singer running away from her entire life to hide in a tiny English town?
Okay. I’m listening. 🎶
Cassie St. James is technically one of the most famous women in country music.
Except the world doesn’t know Cassie.
They know Melody Night.
And Cassie?
She is EXHAUSTED.
So she does what any completely rational internationally famous musician would do:
Changes her appearance.
Runs away to the English countryside.
Attempts to become a Normal Person™️.
Naturally, within approximately five minutes of arriving, she manages to destroy Austin Bowman’s beer garden.
😭
Ma’am.
Incognito is supposed to mean not drawing attention to yourself.
And Austin is understandably like:
Who the hell is this woman and why is she destroying my property?
Unfortunately for him, his mother decides Cassie can work at their bar to pay off the damages.
HELLO FORCED PROXIMITY. 😌
Austin wants absolutely nothing to do with her.
She’s younger.
She’s reckless.
She’s clearly hiding something.
She’s only staying for the summer.
And most importantly, she’s currently a pain directly in his ass.
Which obviously means…
He’s about to fall disgustingly in love with her.
My favorite genre of man.
And I really loved watching their relationship shift.
It wasn’t I hate you on Tuesday and suddenly I’m declaring my undying love on Thursday.
They had all these little moments together that slowly changed how they saw each other.
The conversations.
The bar.
The walks.
The moments in the rain.
Austin slowly realizing there is SO much more underneath Cassie’s chaotic exterior.
And Cassie getting to experience something she hasn’t had in a very long time:
Being treated like a person instead of a product.
That part really worked for me.
Because while this is obviously a romance, Cassie’s story is also about figuring out who the hell she is when she isn’t Melody Night.
When there aren’t cameras.
When there aren’t expectations.
When she isn’t performing.
When someone isn’t making a decision for her career.
Who is Cassie when she gets to simply…exist?
And watching her slowly fall in love with her own life while simultaneously falling for Austin was probably my favorite part of the book. 🥹
But let’s discuss Austin.
Because GRUMPY MEN WHO BECOME SOFT FOR ONE WOMAN REMAIN UNDEFEATED.
At first he’s basically:
Please leave my bar, my town, my general vicinity and preferably the entire United Kingdom.
And then Cassie sings.
Suddenly, sir has QUESTIONS.
👀
Watching that grumpy exterior slowly crack was delicious because once Austin started caring about her, it was OVER.
He fell first.
My favorite disease to inflict upon fictional men.
And their chemistry???
HELLO???
For such a sweet, atmospheric small-town romance, C.G. Murray absolutely knew when to turn up the temperature. 🔥
It never felt like the physical side was thrown in just because romance books are “supposed” to have it, either. By the time they finally gave in to what was happening between them, there was enough emotional connection behind it that it actually meant something.
WE LOVE CHEMISTRY WITH PLOT.
I also need more romances set in the English countryside, please and thank you.
Small-town romance is everywhere, but getting that cozy little village feeling outside the typical American setting was such a nice change.
Give me the pub.
Give me the locals knowing everyone’s business.
Give me countryside walks.
Give me the famous country singer desperately attempting to cosplay as a regular civilian while everyone around her is completely unaware.
I was having a GREAT time.
And obviously we have the ticking time bomb hanging over everything:
Austin doesn’t know who she really is.
🥴
Secret identity romances stress me OUT because I’m sitting there watching these people fall in love while mentally screaming:
GIRL. YOU HAVE GOT TO TELL THAT MAN BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES.
Because we all know how this works.
Secrets never politely wait until you’re ready.
Still, I appreciated how the reveal was handled, especially because Cassie’s entire journey is so wrapped up in finally taking control of her own life and deciding who gets access to the real version of her.
There were also a couple characters in this book who made me want to crawl through my Kindle.
You know who you are.
Count your days.
😌
But overall, this was such a lovely surprise from an author I’d never read before.
It had romance and heat, but underneath everything was this really sweet story about identity, burnout, friendship, finding somewhere you belong, and learning that the version of yourself everyone else wants doesn’t necessarily have to be the version you keep giving them.
And Austin and Cassie?
Yeah.
I GET IT.
The grumpy bar owner and the runaway country princess got me.
🎶 Secret Identity
🌳 English Countryside
☀️ Grumpy × Sunshine
🍺 Forced Proximity / Workplace
🎤 Famous Singer FMC
🫠 He Falls First
🏡 Small-Town Romance
💕 Found Friendship
🔥 Chemistry & Spice
✨ Finding Yourself
🤫 Hidden Celebrity
💗 Grumpy Man Goes Soft
C.G. Murray, you were completely new to me before this.
You officially have my attention. 🎶🤍
August 7, 2026
🎶🌿 Finding Herself Between the Notes 🌿🎶
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started Perfect Melody, but somewhere along the way, Pine Grove completely pulled me in. There was something so atmospheric about escaping to this little town in the English countryside, but what really made this story special for me was Cassie and the beautiful journey she takes toward finally discovering who she is when no one else is making the decisions.
To the rest of the world, she's Melody Night, country music royalty. But underneath the fame is Cassandra St. James, a woman who has spent so much of her life working, performing, and becoming whatever everyone else needed her to be that she's barely had the chance to figure out what makes her happy.
Watching Cassie fall in love with life for what felt like the first time was my favorite part of this book.
Pine Grove gives her something fame and money never could. Normalcy. Friendship. Freedom. A place where she can walk, work at a bar, meet friends for coffee, laugh, make mistakes, and exist as a person rather than a product. Those seemingly ordinary moments carried so much meaning because Cassie had been denied them for so long.
Then there's Austin, the grumpy bar owner who isn't exactly thrilled when Cassie quite literally crashes into his life. 😂 It took me longer to warm up to him than it did Cassie, but I appreciated the quieter way their relationship developed. It wasn't built around huge romantic gestures. It happened in the rain, behind the bar, during walks, through conversations, and in all those little moments where Cassie slowly began feeling like an actual person again.
And when their chemistry finally ignites? 🔥 C.G. Murray can WRITE spice. It was incredibly well done and added intensity to their connection without overwhelming the emotional story happening around it.
But as much as I enjoyed Cassie and Austin together, Cassie's personal journey ultimately resonated with me more than the romance itself. I would have loved a little more emotional depth between them in places, particularly because Cassie's story carries so much weight. There were moments where I wanted to sit with their feelings just a little longer.
The found family helped fill that emotional space beautifully. I loved seeing Pine Grove embrace Cassie and watching her slowly surround herself with people who genuinely cared about Cassandra, not Melody Night. Her friendships, Austin's family, Ant, and the community gave this story so much warmth.
And MUSIC. 🎶
Watching Cassie rediscover her relationship with music after it had become so intertwined with obligation was incredibly meaningful. That first original song she performs at Bowman's felt like more than a performance. It felt like Cassie finally allowing pieces of herself to come out that had been buried for years.
There are also a couple of characters who inspired PURE RAGE in me. If you know, you know. 😤
Perfect Melody is ultimately a story about more than falling in love with another person. It's about reclaiming the pieces of yourself that were lost along the way, grieving what was taken from you, discovering what happiness actually looks like, and realizing that having a privileged life doesn't mean you aren't allowed to hurt.
This felt soulful in a way I wasn't expecting.
The English countryside, the music, the friendships, the quiet moments, and especially Cassie's growth made Pine Grove such a comforting place to escape to. I finished this smiling, a little emotional, and definitely curious about whose story we'll get next.
Sometimes finding your perfect melody means finally learning to listen to your own voice. 🎶💚
Thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I started Perfect Melody, but somewhere along the way, Pine Grove completely pulled me in. There was something so atmospheric about escaping to this little town in the English countryside, but what really made this story special for me was Cassie and the beautiful journey she takes toward finally discovering who she is when no one else is making the decisions.
To the rest of the world, she's Melody Night, country music royalty. But underneath the fame is Cassandra St. James, a woman who has spent so much of her life working, performing, and becoming whatever everyone else needed her to be that she's barely had the chance to figure out what makes her happy.
Watching Cassie fall in love with life for what felt like the first time was my favorite part of this book.
Pine Grove gives her something fame and money never could. Normalcy. Friendship. Freedom. A place where she can walk, work at a bar, meet friends for coffee, laugh, make mistakes, and exist as a person rather than a product. Those seemingly ordinary moments carried so much meaning because Cassie had been denied them for so long.
Then there's Austin, the grumpy bar owner who isn't exactly thrilled when Cassie quite literally crashes into his life. 😂 It took me longer to warm up to him than it did Cassie, but I appreciated the quieter way their relationship developed. It wasn't built around huge romantic gestures. It happened in the rain, behind the bar, during walks, through conversations, and in all those little moments where Cassie slowly began feeling like an actual person again.
And when their chemistry finally ignites? 🔥 C.G. Murray can WRITE spice. It was incredibly well done and added intensity to their connection without overwhelming the emotional story happening around it.
But as much as I enjoyed Cassie and Austin together, Cassie's personal journey ultimately resonated with me more than the romance itself. I would have loved a little more emotional depth between them in places, particularly because Cassie's story carries so much weight. There were moments where I wanted to sit with their feelings just a little longer.
The found family helped fill that emotional space beautifully. I loved seeing Pine Grove embrace Cassie and watching her slowly surround herself with people who genuinely cared about Cassandra, not Melody Night. Her friendships, Austin's family, Ant, and the community gave this story so much warmth.
And MUSIC. 🎶
Watching Cassie rediscover her relationship with music after it had become so intertwined with obligation was incredibly meaningful. That first original song she performs at Bowman's felt like more than a performance. It felt like Cassie finally allowing pieces of herself to come out that had been buried for years.
There are also a couple of characters who inspired PURE RAGE in me. If you know, you know. 😤
Perfect Melody is ultimately a story about more than falling in love with another person. It's about reclaiming the pieces of yourself that were lost along the way, grieving what was taken from you, discovering what happiness actually looks like, and realizing that having a privileged life doesn't mean you aren't allowed to hurt.
This felt soulful in a way I wasn't expecting.
The English countryside, the music, the friendships, the quiet moments, and especially Cassie's growth made Pine Grove such a comforting place to escape to. I finished this smiling, a little emotional, and definitely curious about whose story we'll get next.
Sometimes finding your perfect melody means finally learning to listen to your own voice. 🎶💚
Thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2026
This book had me kicking my feet, clutching my Kindle, and muttering “oh Cassie, babe, you deserve the world.” Hidden‑identity romances are becoming one of my favourite flavours, and The Perfect Melody delivers that trope with heart, humour, and a delicious dose of emotional chaos.
Cassie—our girl, our princess of country music, our global idol Melody Night—is done. Burnt out. Hollowed. Dragged through the industry by her mother/manager Miranda, who weaponises guilt, mental illness, and emotional manipulation like it’s her full‑time job. Cassie has been performing survival for years… until she finally snaps.
With the help of long‑distance bestie Liam, she pulls off the ultimate escape plan: ditch Melody Night, ditch the spotlight, ditch Miranda, and rediscover who she is when she’s not being consumed by fame. Cue box‑dyed hair, glasses, a flight to England, and a quiet village called Pine Grove where she hopes to simply be Cassie.
Except… she immediately crashes into grumpy bar owner Austin’s beer garden. Literally.
Austin, the grumpy, laser‑focused bar owner who’s poured his entire life into reopening Bowmans, is absolutely not amused. Their first meeting is pure chaos, pure chemistry, pure “oh they hate each other but also… do they?”
Cassie insists on paying her way and ends up working for him, which means forced proximity, hidden identity tension, and grumpy x sunshine sparks that had me kicking my feet. Their banter is sharp, their attraction is obvious, and their stubbornness is chef’s kiss.
Cassie shines in this story. She’s witty, kind, determined, and heartbreakingly lonely in a way fame can’t fix. Her friendships with Liam and Bailey, and later with Mei, Daphne, Erin, Phoebe and Abby are the softest part of the book—true anchors who love her without conditions and help her navigate panic, overthinking, and the terrifying freedom of anonymity.
Austin, beneath the scowl, is all quiet devotion. The panic‑attack scene? I melted. He follows her outside, grounds her, centres her, and shows her exactly the kind of care she’s been starved of. They chip away at each other’s walls until they’re both standing there, vulnerable and wanting.
This book hits all the tropes I adore: age gap, enemies‑to‑lovers, forced proximity, hidden identity, emotional healing, and that slow‑burn yearning that makes you feral. The spice is hot and tender, perfectly timed.
If I’m being picky, I would’ve loved a few more near‑misses with Cassie’s identity—those delicious “oh god she’s about to be exposed” moments—but honestly? It didn’t take away from how warm, addictive, and emotionally satisfying the story is.
The Perfect Melody is heartfelt, funny, romantic, and full of emotional beats that land exactly where they should. Cassie and Austin’s journey from irritation to intimacy is everything I want in a small‑town romance.
Cassie—our girl, our princess of country music, our global idol Melody Night—is done. Burnt out. Hollowed. Dragged through the industry by her mother/manager Miranda, who weaponises guilt, mental illness, and emotional manipulation like it’s her full‑time job. Cassie has been performing survival for years… until she finally snaps.
With the help of long‑distance bestie Liam, she pulls off the ultimate escape plan: ditch Melody Night, ditch the spotlight, ditch Miranda, and rediscover who she is when she’s not being consumed by fame. Cue box‑dyed hair, glasses, a flight to England, and a quiet village called Pine Grove where she hopes to simply be Cassie.
Except… she immediately crashes into grumpy bar owner Austin’s beer garden. Literally.
Austin, the grumpy, laser‑focused bar owner who’s poured his entire life into reopening Bowmans, is absolutely not amused. Their first meeting is pure chaos, pure chemistry, pure “oh they hate each other but also… do they?”
Cassie insists on paying her way and ends up working for him, which means forced proximity, hidden identity tension, and grumpy x sunshine sparks that had me kicking my feet. Their banter is sharp, their attraction is obvious, and their stubbornness is chef’s kiss.
Cassie shines in this story. She’s witty, kind, determined, and heartbreakingly lonely in a way fame can’t fix. Her friendships with Liam and Bailey, and later with Mei, Daphne, Erin, Phoebe and Abby are the softest part of the book—true anchors who love her without conditions and help her navigate panic, overthinking, and the terrifying freedom of anonymity.
Austin, beneath the scowl, is all quiet devotion. The panic‑attack scene? I melted. He follows her outside, grounds her, centres her, and shows her exactly the kind of care she’s been starved of. They chip away at each other’s walls until they’re both standing there, vulnerable and wanting.
This book hits all the tropes I adore: age gap, enemies‑to‑lovers, forced proximity, hidden identity, emotional healing, and that slow‑burn yearning that makes you feral. The spice is hot and tender, perfectly timed.
If I’m being picky, I would’ve loved a few more near‑misses with Cassie’s identity—those delicious “oh god she’s about to be exposed” moments—but honestly? It didn’t take away from how warm, addictive, and emotionally satisfying the story is.
The Perfect Melody is heartfelt, funny, romantic, and full of emotional beats that land exactly where they should. Cassie and Austin’s journey from irritation to intimacy is everything I want in a small‑town romance.
August 7, 2026
The Perfect Melody by C.G. Murray is a charming small-town romance that combines familiar tropes to create a story that feels fresh and unique.
The setup and setting of the story are genuinely fun. Cassie St. James is better known to the world by her stage name, Melody Night, a country music superstar who has reached the point of complete burnout and is desperate for something real. So, what does our exhausted superstar do? She hops on a plane back to England, completely changes her appearance, and slips into the sleepy town of Pine Grove, hoping no one will recognize her. Instead, she gets a disastrous first impression, a debt she has to work off, and a grumpy bar owner who clearly wants nothing to do with her.
Austin Bowman already has enough on his plate between the grand reopening of his family's bar and the general chaos that seems to follow Cassie wherever she goes. He's the kind of male lead who insists he's not interested right up until the moment he very clearly is. I really enjoyed reading his feelings slowly shift from reluctant tolerance to something genuine. The progression felt natural and believable rather than rushed.
The small-town setting does a lot of the heavy lifting in this story. Pine Grove feels like a well lived-in town rather than simply serving as the place where the eventual romance of our two characters happened. The community surrounding Austin and Cassie gives the story plenty of warmth and allows the romance room to breathe. I also really enjoyed the friendships Cassie forms along the way. Her new friends feel like actual, fully developed characters rather than people who exist solely to move the story forward, and that made the small-town atmosphere even more enjoyable to read.
One of the most important tropes in the story is Cassie's secret identity. This is the kind of plot point that could easily become overly dramatic, but the author kept it grounded. You understand exactly why Cassie is hiding her identity, you know that the truth will eventually come out, and the tension surrounding that secret feels genuine without becoming over-the-top or extremely exaggerated.
If you enjoy small-town romances with a celebrity-fish-out-of-water angle, plenty of warmth with a little angst, The Perfect Melody is definitely worth picking up. It's the first book in the Pine Grove series.
A huge thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for trusting me with an advance review copy of The Perfect Melody. Every thought and opinion shared in this review is completely honest and my own.
The setup and setting of the story are genuinely fun. Cassie St. James is better known to the world by her stage name, Melody Night, a country music superstar who has reached the point of complete burnout and is desperate for something real. So, what does our exhausted superstar do? She hops on a plane back to England, completely changes her appearance, and slips into the sleepy town of Pine Grove, hoping no one will recognize her. Instead, she gets a disastrous first impression, a debt she has to work off, and a grumpy bar owner who clearly wants nothing to do with her.
Austin Bowman already has enough on his plate between the grand reopening of his family's bar and the general chaos that seems to follow Cassie wherever she goes. He's the kind of male lead who insists he's not interested right up until the moment he very clearly is. I really enjoyed reading his feelings slowly shift from reluctant tolerance to something genuine. The progression felt natural and believable rather than rushed.
The small-town setting does a lot of the heavy lifting in this story. Pine Grove feels like a well lived-in town rather than simply serving as the place where the eventual romance of our two characters happened. The community surrounding Austin and Cassie gives the story plenty of warmth and allows the romance room to breathe. I also really enjoyed the friendships Cassie forms along the way. Her new friends feel like actual, fully developed characters rather than people who exist solely to move the story forward, and that made the small-town atmosphere even more enjoyable to read.
One of the most important tropes in the story is Cassie's secret identity. This is the kind of plot point that could easily become overly dramatic, but the author kept it grounded. You understand exactly why Cassie is hiding her identity, you know that the truth will eventually come out, and the tension surrounding that secret feels genuine without becoming over-the-top or extremely exaggerated.
If you enjoy small-town romances with a celebrity-fish-out-of-water angle, plenty of warmth with a little angst, The Perfect Melody is definitely worth picking up. It's the first book in the Pine Grove series.
A huge thank you to C.G. Murray and Love Notes PR for trusting me with an advance review copy of The Perfect Melody. Every thought and opinion shared in this review is completely honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Perfect Melody 🎙️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & C.G. Murray for trusting me with this ARC!🫶🏻
World famous country singer Cassie St.,known as Melody Night,has lost any kind of melody in her own life.So,escaping at the small town of Pine Grove is the ideal next step,until she messes everything up.
Austin Bowman is ready for the big grand reopening of the family bar,until a woman destroys his beer garden.
Oh,the South.🎶
This book had the vibe of the good old south,country music Americana(the girls who get it,get it),and it was one of the many reasons that really made it spectacular as a read.
Murray's writing was perfect,atmospheric & really easy to follow as you truly get lost between those pages.Her main girl,Cassie was,also,amazing and really gave us a honest look behind the big crowds,scenes and glitter that surrounded her since she was a teen.The act of her finding her village,even before the romance started to blossom was the key for the success of this story for me.
You see,most of the times we are so romance focused that friendships and people that truly value you and love you apart from the romantic love is mostly paused for forming in the second half of the book or just pushed aside with just an chapter on page,but this time Murray did not just wrote Cassie,she listened her,her needs her wants and gave her her HEA in every aspect of her life.💁🏻♀️
However,I cannot leave Austin out of the equation.He was so,so cute.LIKE THAT BOY WAS FALLING IN LOVE AND STRAIGHT UP DENYING IT👺
BOY YOU ARE B L U S H I N G!🤧
ANYWAY,I really liked his character and the aura that he brought when you read about him or from him.Truly made a difference.
The last thing,I wanna point out is how beautiful was the was Cassie in the end really found her melody,meaning that girl re-fell in love with music.Her own,individual music,that she bloody liked playing.(okay,I am gonna cry🫨)So,if some of you love a good read to giggle your feet at the sunbed under the sun,( and maybe cry a little🫣 (I SAID IT)).The Perfect Melody is the perfect story for you to get lost in🙂↕️
Out In July 31st🔊
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & C.G. Murray for trusting me with this ARC!🫶🏻
World famous country singer Cassie St.,known as Melody Night,has lost any kind of melody in her own life.So,escaping at the small town of Pine Grove is the ideal next step,until she messes everything up.
Austin Bowman is ready for the big grand reopening of the family bar,until a woman destroys his beer garden.
Oh,the South.🎶
This book had the vibe of the good old south,country music Americana(the girls who get it,get it),and it was one of the many reasons that really made it spectacular as a read.
Murray's writing was perfect,atmospheric & really easy to follow as you truly get lost between those pages.Her main girl,Cassie was,also,amazing and really gave us a honest look behind the big crowds,scenes and glitter that surrounded her since she was a teen.The act of her finding her village,even before the romance started to blossom was the key for the success of this story for me.
You see,most of the times we are so romance focused that friendships and people that truly value you and love you apart from the romantic love is mostly paused for forming in the second half of the book or just pushed aside with just an chapter on page,but this time Murray did not just wrote Cassie,she listened her,her needs her wants and gave her her HEA in every aspect of her life.💁🏻♀️
However,I cannot leave Austin out of the equation.He was so,so cute.LIKE THAT BOY WAS FALLING IN LOVE AND STRAIGHT UP DENYING IT👺
BOY YOU ARE B L U S H I N G!🤧
ANYWAY,I really liked his character and the aura that he brought when you read about him or from him.Truly made a difference.
The last thing,I wanna point out is how beautiful was the was Cassie in the end really found her melody,meaning that girl re-fell in love with music.Her own,individual music,that she bloody liked playing.(okay,I am gonna cry🫨)So,if some of you love a good read to giggle your feet at the sunbed under the sun,( and maybe cry a little🫣 (I SAID IT)).The Perfect Melody is the perfect story for you to get lost in🙂↕️
Out In July 31st🔊
5⭐
August 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️
👩 Mommy Issues
🔍Secret Identity
🏔️ Self Discovery
I’ve never read a book by the author and the first chapter had me hooked! The writing kept my attention and when I finished this book I wanted MORE.
Cassie is waiting to break free. Free from the way society sees her, and especially free from her managers clutches. I really enjoyed reading how Cassie progressed through the book. As a reader you can start to see her self doubt and loneliness be replaced with confidence and courage. No point during the story did I feel like her character was annoying, and that it usually happens with characters that have the same characteristics as Cassie.
Austin is rugged and seems to be the typical ML- loving, goofy, rude (to FL) and has an interesting hobby (board games) that he’s willing to share with others, except for the FL.. until they fall in love or course. He took a backseat in my mind when it came to following Cassie, at no fault of the author. I personally wanted to get to the end results of HOW Cassie would deal with her issues more than their love story. Though it was a bonus.
What I liked
🤯 it was so early in the book that I didn’t expect a shock. When finding out who Cassie’s manager was my jaw was on the floor. The author really made me loathe her. Didn’t expect it AT ALL!
🫂Liam being a reassuring and supportive friend. Who gave Cassie rhe pep talks and confidence she needed! Also can’t forget Ant!
🎤 Cassie finding the family and support she needed!
📍 A new location! So many books recycle the same cities, this was a refreshing small country town, not located in the states.
What I didn’t like
🤬THE MANAGER!! God I LOATHED her and wanted to reach through the book and punch her. Quote to add ⬇️
“I can’t believe she ordered nut butter on the porridge just so you wouldn’t be able to eat it,” Ant growls, voicing what I was already thinking. I’m allergic to nuts.
✨✨✨✨
Overall I thought it was a book that was paced well, and not overly stuffed with information. I can’t wait for more books!
Thank you to the author and to LoveNotesPr for the ARC
🌶️
👩 Mommy Issues
🔍Secret Identity
🏔️ Self Discovery
I’ve never read a book by the author and the first chapter had me hooked! The writing kept my attention and when I finished this book I wanted MORE.
Cassie is waiting to break free. Free from the way society sees her, and especially free from her managers clutches. I really enjoyed reading how Cassie progressed through the book. As a reader you can start to see her self doubt and loneliness be replaced with confidence and courage. No point during the story did I feel like her character was annoying, and that it usually happens with characters that have the same characteristics as Cassie.
Austin is rugged and seems to be the typical ML- loving, goofy, rude (to FL) and has an interesting hobby (board games) that he’s willing to share with others, except for the FL.. until they fall in love or course. He took a backseat in my mind when it came to following Cassie, at no fault of the author. I personally wanted to get to the end results of HOW Cassie would deal with her issues more than their love story. Though it was a bonus.
What I liked
🤯 it was so early in the book that I didn’t expect a shock. When finding out who Cassie’s manager was my jaw was on the floor. The author really made me loathe her. Didn’t expect it AT ALL!
🫂Liam being a reassuring and supportive friend. Who gave Cassie rhe pep talks and confidence she needed! Also can’t forget Ant!
🎤 Cassie finding the family and support she needed!
📍 A new location! So many books recycle the same cities, this was a refreshing small country town, not located in the states.
What I didn’t like
🤬THE MANAGER!! God I LOATHED her and wanted to reach through the book and punch her. Quote to add ⬇️
“I can’t believe she ordered nut butter on the porridge just so you wouldn’t be able to eat it,” Ant growls, voicing what I was already thinking. I’m allergic to nuts.
✨✨✨✨
Overall I thought it was a book that was paced well, and not overly stuffed with information. I can’t wait for more books!
Thank you to the author and to LoveNotesPr for the ARC
August 7, 2026
Wow - What an amazing book from start to finish.
From teenage sensation - Melody Night to grumpy bar owner - Austin Bowman. There was never a dull moment in this book.
Cassie St James, also known as Melody Night, is a teenage sensation and is the FMC in this book. She is managed by her mother Miranda and has just completed a world tour and all her obligations to her record label and is looking for a well earned break to recover, recuperate and have some much well needed time to herself.
Austin Bowman, who runs his family bar Bowman's, is the MMC who is a young man who loves nothing more than working hard, running his family business and having a fun time with his friends.
Cassie makes her hopefully quiet arrival in Pine Grove with quite a crash, before landing herself a job from no other than Mr Austin Bowman, well more his mother Abby.
This book has been written so well and has great structure and goes into perfect detail to get to know the characters but not feel bored. It shows how important it is to have close friends like Ant, Liam, Bailey, Reg, Dev and Jer and how they can help you and surprise you with just how much they love you and the lengths they'd go to for you.
The character development in this book is so good, cassie is a quiet people pleaser who wants to build her confidence and independence while Austin is a moody grump but throughout the book shows how soft and protective he can actually be. He also learned why you should not judge people and make assumptions and came to realise just how wrong he was about Cassie, who eventually finds herself and ends up loving life again.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book, I loved it and was an amazing read.
From teenage sensation - Melody Night to grumpy bar owner - Austin Bowman. There was never a dull moment in this book.
Cassie St James, also known as Melody Night, is a teenage sensation and is the FMC in this book. She is managed by her mother Miranda and has just completed a world tour and all her obligations to her record label and is looking for a well earned break to recover, recuperate and have some much well needed time to herself.
Austin Bowman, who runs his family bar Bowman's, is the MMC who is a young man who loves nothing more than working hard, running his family business and having a fun time with his friends.
Cassie makes her hopefully quiet arrival in Pine Grove with quite a crash, before landing herself a job from no other than Mr Austin Bowman, well more his mother Abby.
This book has been written so well and has great structure and goes into perfect detail to get to know the characters but not feel bored. It shows how important it is to have close friends like Ant, Liam, Bailey, Reg, Dev and Jer and how they can help you and surprise you with just how much they love you and the lengths they'd go to for you.
The character development in this book is so good, cassie is a quiet people pleaser who wants to build her confidence and independence while Austin is a moody grump but throughout the book shows how soft and protective he can actually be. He also learned why you should not judge people and make assumptions and came to realise just how wrong he was about Cassie, who eventually finds herself and ends up loving life again.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book, I loved it and was an amazing read.
August 8, 2026
If you want a book with “Hannah Montana” or “Forever My Girl” (minus the second chance part) vibes then “The Perfect Melody” by C.G. Murray is the book you are looking for!!
- It has all the good tropes!! From dislike to lovers, his mom becomes her mom, small town, friends that become family!
~ Austin is hard working and focused solely on his work and his game nights with friends, the furthest thing from that man’s mind is finding someone to love.
~ Cassie is trying to find herself and doesn’t want all of the popularity anymore. She’s not looking to fall in love with anybody but herself!
- I love all of the side characters (minus a couple, but they get what’s coming to them, as they should) If you like friends that let you fight your fight but step in and have your back when they need to, that’s in “The Perfect Melody” and it truly is perfect!!
- It’s such a good read with hallmark cozy vibes!! I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes Austin & Cassie and all of their friends!!
*QUOTES FROM “The Perfect Melody”*
Dedication: “For every one who has been told ‘Be yourself. No, not like that.” 😭
C: ”Of course. Haven’t you heard? I’m country music’s princess. What do I have to be sad about? I’ll be fine. I have to be—apparently the show’s not over yet.”
A: “I’d been so focused on Bowman’s that I made little time for socializing….. Maybe in a year, once things are more settled, I look into dating again.”
C: “My entire life may have changed over the past couple of months, but those changes brought me the man I love, friends who feel like family, and a beautiful small town I’m proud to call home.”
A: “Take whatever you want, Trouble. My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
- It has all the good tropes!! From dislike to lovers, his mom becomes her mom, small town, friends that become family!
~ Austin is hard working and focused solely on his work and his game nights with friends, the furthest thing from that man’s mind is finding someone to love.
~ Cassie is trying to find herself and doesn’t want all of the popularity anymore. She’s not looking to fall in love with anybody but herself!
- I love all of the side characters (minus a couple, but they get what’s coming to them, as they should) If you like friends that let you fight your fight but step in and have your back when they need to, that’s in “The Perfect Melody” and it truly is perfect!!
- It’s such a good read with hallmark cozy vibes!! I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes Austin & Cassie and all of their friends!!
*QUOTES FROM “The Perfect Melody”*
Dedication: “For every one who has been told ‘Be yourself. No, not like that.” 😭
C: ”Of course. Haven’t you heard? I’m country music’s princess. What do I have to be sad about? I’ll be fine. I have to be—apparently the show’s not over yet.”
A: “I’d been so focused on Bowman’s that I made little time for socializing….. Maybe in a year, once things are more settled, I look into dating again.”
C: “My entire life may have changed over the past couple of months, but those changes brought me the man I love, friends who feel like family, and a beautiful small town I’m proud to call home.”
A: “Take whatever you want, Trouble. My body, my heart, my future. They’re all yours.”
Review of advance copy
I was kindly given an ARC of The Perfect Melody, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to read it.
This was absolutely my kind of book. I have a soft spot for small-town romances, and adding a hidden pop star identity into the mix made it even more enjoyable. It had all the ingredients for a heartfelt, feel-good romance, and I found myself invested from the very beginning.
Cassie was, without a doubt, the highlight of the entire story for me. There honestly wasn't a single thing I didn't love about her. She had such a kind, genuine heart, and all I wanted was for her to find happiness. Watching her rediscover herself, find her voice again, reconnect with her love of music, and slowly open herself up to love was beautifully written. In fact, her personal journey was so compelling that there were moments when I realised I'd have been completely happy reading a story that focused solely on her growth. That almost never happens for me.
Austin, on the other hand, took me much longer to warm up to. For the first half of the book, I found him quite difficult to like. He came across as arrogant and frustrating at times, and I struggled to connect with him. Thankfully, around the halfway mark, I started to see more of the man beneath the exterior. His softer side gradually came through, and although he never became my favourite character, I ended up rooting for him because of how happy he made Cassie.
The romance itself was sweet, but for me, this story shone brightest whenever it focused on Cassie's journey. Her growth, resilience, and determination were what made this book memorable.
This was my first book by C.G. Murray, and it definitely won't be my last. If you enjoy small-town romance, hidden identities, music, and a heroine you'll be cheering for from start to finish, I'd happily recommend giving this one a try.
This was absolutely my kind of book. I have a soft spot for small-town romances, and adding a hidden pop star identity into the mix made it even more enjoyable. It had all the ingredients for a heartfelt, feel-good romance, and I found myself invested from the very beginning.
Cassie was, without a doubt, the highlight of the entire story for me. There honestly wasn't a single thing I didn't love about her. She had such a kind, genuine heart, and all I wanted was for her to find happiness. Watching her rediscover herself, find her voice again, reconnect with her love of music, and slowly open herself up to love was beautifully written. In fact, her personal journey was so compelling that there were moments when I realised I'd have been completely happy reading a story that focused solely on her growth. That almost never happens for me.
Austin, on the other hand, took me much longer to warm up to. For the first half of the book, I found him quite difficult to like. He came across as arrogant and frustrating at times, and I struggled to connect with him. Thankfully, around the halfway mark, I started to see more of the man beneath the exterior. His softer side gradually came through, and although he never became my favourite character, I ended up rooting for him because of how happy he made Cassie.
The romance itself was sweet, but for me, this story shone brightest whenever it focused on Cassie's journey. Her growth, resilience, and determination were what made this book memorable.
This was my first book by C.G. Murray, and it definitely won't be my last. If you enjoy small-town romance, hidden identities, music, and a heroine you'll be cheering for from start to finish, I'd happily recommend giving this one a try.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
I receive an ARC in exchange of a honest review.
The Perfect Melody starts with a premise that hooked me right away: a country music star exhausted from pretending to be someone she's not, desperately searching to reconnect with her true self. That's easily the strongest part of the book: Cassie is a protagonist it's easy to connect with. Her growth arc—discovering who she really is outside the "Melody Night" persona—is well set up and what I enjoyed most about the read.
That said, the book falls short for me in two key areas.
First, the pacing. The opening chapters spend too long showing us the world of fame and Cassie's feelings before the story actually gets going, and then circle back to repeat those same ideas once the plot moves forward. I would have preferred the story to start right as she arrives in the small town, letting us discover her past life and emotional state more organically along the way, instead of a long introduction followed by a repeat of it all.
Second, the romance—which is supposed to be the heart of the book—falls flat. It's missing tension, chemistry, and above all the gradual development that makes a relationship feel earned. It jumps from point A to point B without the in-between steps that would give the bond between the leads real credibility.
As for the writing overall, it leans too heavily on telling us what the characters feel instead of showing it through action or detail, which takes away emotional impact from several moments that could have hit much harder.
Overall: an endearing protagonist and an interesting underlying theme, but a romance that never quite takes off, and pacing that needed more work.
I receive an ARC in exchange of a honest review.
The Perfect Melody starts with a premise that hooked me right away: a country music star exhausted from pretending to be someone she's not, desperately searching to reconnect with her true self. That's easily the strongest part of the book: Cassie is a protagonist it's easy to connect with. Her growth arc—discovering who she really is outside the "Melody Night" persona—is well set up and what I enjoyed most about the read.
That said, the book falls short for me in two key areas.
First, the pacing. The opening chapters spend too long showing us the world of fame and Cassie's feelings before the story actually gets going, and then circle back to repeat those same ideas once the plot moves forward. I would have preferred the story to start right as she arrives in the small town, letting us discover her past life and emotional state more organically along the way, instead of a long introduction followed by a repeat of it all.
Second, the romance—which is supposed to be the heart of the book—falls flat. It's missing tension, chemistry, and above all the gradual development that makes a relationship feel earned. It jumps from point A to point B without the in-between steps that would give the bond between the leads real credibility.
As for the writing overall, it leans too heavily on telling us what the characters feel instead of showing it through action or detail, which takes away emotional impact from several moments that could have hit much harder.
Overall: an endearing protagonist and an interesting underlying theme, but a romance that never quite takes off, and pacing that needed more work.
July 31, 2026
The perfect melody
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Na elk hoofdstuk werd dit verhaal nog leuker! Dit verhaal is zo fijn geschreven dat je je helemaal kan inleven in de karakters, je kan met ze meeleven van begin tot eind. Tot het einde blijft het spannend, hierdoor bleef ik lezen. Het is een small town romance waar je je helemaal kan laten onderdompelen in een samenhorigheidsgevoel van alle bewoners, waardoor je denk ik ga verhuizen naar daar.
Alle bewoners waren zo leuk en super aardig. Ant haar bodyguard vond ik ook een geweldig karakter! Zo'n leuke man, respectvol, vleugje humor en super loyaal. Het is een onwijs leuk boek om te lezen, zeker een aanrader!
After every chapter, this story got even better! This story is written so well that you can completely empathize with the characters; you can sympathize with them from beginning to end. It remains exciting until the very end, which kept me reading. It is a small-town romance where you can completely immerse yourself in the sense of togetherness among all the residents, which I think will make you want to move there.
All the residents were so fun and super nice. I also thought Ant, her bodyguard, was a great character! Such a nice man, respectful, with a touch of humor and super loyal. It is an incredibly fun book to read, definitely recommended! Thank you LoveNotes PR for the ARC of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsjuly
Melody Night, world-famous princess of country music, doesn’t exist. Her real name is Cassie St. James, and she desperately needs a break from the spotlight. When a friend suggests she hide out in the small town of Pine Grove, Cassie leaves Nashville, hops on a plane back home to England, and changes her appearance. Living a normal life is harder than she expected, but after a messy beginning, things start looking up. For the first time, Cassie has a chance at real friends, maybe even love.
Na elk hoofdstuk werd dit verhaal nog leuker! Dit verhaal is zo fijn geschreven dat je je helemaal kan inleven in de karakters, je kan met ze meeleven van begin tot eind. Tot het einde blijft het spannend, hierdoor bleef ik lezen. Het is een small town romance waar je je helemaal kan laten onderdompelen in een samenhorigheidsgevoel van alle bewoners, waardoor je denk ik ga verhuizen naar daar.
Alle bewoners waren zo leuk en super aardig. Ant haar bodyguard vond ik ook een geweldig karakter! Zo'n leuke man, respectvol, vleugje humor en super loyaal. Het is een onwijs leuk boek om te lezen, zeker een aanrader!
After every chapter, this story got even better! This story is written so well that you can completely empathize with the characters; you can sympathize with them from beginning to end. It remains exciting until the very end, which kept me reading. It is a small-town romance where you can completely immerse yourself in the sense of togetherness among all the residents, which I think will make you want to move there.
All the residents were so fun and super nice. I also thought Ant, her bodyguard, was a great character! Such a nice man, respectful, with a touch of humor and super loyal. It is an incredibly fun book to read, definitely recommended! Thank you LoveNotes PR for the ARC of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsjuly
August 7, 2026
First Impressions: Cassie, a famous country star, sneaks away from her life of fame and abusive manager, and finds loves in the process.
Pacing: This story takes place over a summer, and the pacing feels authentic for a summer fling.
Character development: Cassie is a hardworking, empathetic, and astoundingly brilliant artist trapped in the limelight by an abusive mother who is also her manager. She meets Austin, a serious, diligent, and secretly musical small business owner during her escape from fame. Together they heal old wounds, find common ground, and forge a relationship that can weather any storm.
World Building: Pine Grove is the perfect, charming little town to set what I like to call a "small town, nosy-neighbor romcom." It seems like the perfect place to curl up with a good book, drink spicy hot cocoa with dear friends, and steal smooches from a seriously hot tavern owner.
Romance: Cassie and Austin have a bit of a tumultuous start, but in my opinion, it's because they are equals. They have so much in common that it's a bit like looking un a mirror. They are sweet, patient, and value each other at an essential level.
Spice: The spice is mostly off page, but what is there sets the heart racing.
Errors and Consistency: This is a personal preference rather than an actual error, but "OK" rather than "okay" feels a little lazy outside of text messages.
Overall experience: This was so flippin' cute! I know the next book is supposed to be Bailey and Liam, but I'm going to gold my breath until I get an Ant and Gem book. They are my side character MVPs. You know they book is good because you want so much more from the same universe.
⭐️ 4
🌶 3
Pacing: This story takes place over a summer, and the pacing feels authentic for a summer fling.
Character development: Cassie is a hardworking, empathetic, and astoundingly brilliant artist trapped in the limelight by an abusive mother who is also her manager. She meets Austin, a serious, diligent, and secretly musical small business owner during her escape from fame. Together they heal old wounds, find common ground, and forge a relationship that can weather any storm.
World Building: Pine Grove is the perfect, charming little town to set what I like to call a "small town, nosy-neighbor romcom." It seems like the perfect place to curl up with a good book, drink spicy hot cocoa with dear friends, and steal smooches from a seriously hot tavern owner.
Romance: Cassie and Austin have a bit of a tumultuous start, but in my opinion, it's because they are equals. They have so much in common that it's a bit like looking un a mirror. They are sweet, patient, and value each other at an essential level.
Spice: The spice is mostly off page, but what is there sets the heart racing.
Errors and Consistency: This is a personal preference rather than an actual error, but "OK" rather than "okay" feels a little lazy outside of text messages.
Overall experience: This was so flippin' cute! I know the next book is supposed to be Bailey and Liam, but I'm going to gold my breath until I get an Ant and Gem book. They are my side character MVPs. You know they book is good because you want so much more from the same universe.
⭐️ 4
🌶 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went into The Perfect Melody as a complete newbie to C.G. Murray, and... where has this author been hiding?! 🤯
This was exactly the kind of book my reading mood had been begging for. Fun, sweet, emotional in all the right places, and ridiculously easy to sink into. You know those books where you tell yourself "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's 1am? Yep. That one.
I absolutely adored Cassie and Austin. Their chemistry wasn't all fireworks and chaos. It was built through the little moments, the conversations, the laughter, and all those tiny interactions that slowly wrapped themselves around my heart. 💕
"You deserve to be someone's first choice." That line hit me right in the feelings.
The English countryside setting deserves its own standing ovation. It felt cosy, charming, and made me want to pack a suitcase, find a sleepy little village, and accidentally fall in love.
One of my favourite things was watching Cassie slowly rediscover herself. Her journey felt genuine, and Austin was exactly the kind of hero I love reading about. Supportive without trying to steal the spotlight.
"Sometimes the life you're searching for is waiting where you least expect it." ✨
This book completely surprised me in the best way. It wasn't trying to be over-the-top dramatic. It simply told a heartfelt story with characters I genuinely cared about, and honestly... that's sometimes the perfect recipe.
First C.G. Murray book. Definitely not my last. 🩷📚🎶
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the arc of this book 💌
I went into The Perfect Melody as a complete newbie to C.G. Murray, and... where has this author been hiding?! 🤯
This was exactly the kind of book my reading mood had been begging for. Fun, sweet, emotional in all the right places, and ridiculously easy to sink into. You know those books where you tell yourself "just one more chapter" and suddenly it's 1am? Yep. That one.
I absolutely adored Cassie and Austin. Their chemistry wasn't all fireworks and chaos. It was built through the little moments, the conversations, the laughter, and all those tiny interactions that slowly wrapped themselves around my heart. 💕
"You deserve to be someone's first choice." That line hit me right in the feelings.
The English countryside setting deserves its own standing ovation. It felt cosy, charming, and made me want to pack a suitcase, find a sleepy little village, and accidentally fall in love.
One of my favourite things was watching Cassie slowly rediscover herself. Her journey felt genuine, and Austin was exactly the kind of hero I love reading about. Supportive without trying to steal the spotlight.
"Sometimes the life you're searching for is waiting where you least expect it." ✨
This book completely surprised me in the best way. It wasn't trying to be over-the-top dramatic. It simply told a heartfelt story with characters I genuinely cared about, and honestly... that's sometimes the perfect recipe.
First C.G. Murray book. Definitely not my last. 🩷📚🎶
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the arc of this book 💌
August 6, 2026
📕BOOK REVIEW📕
What a book. This is my first book by author, and it definitely will not be my last.
Cassie St James is a well known country pop star, who under her mum’s control. Cassie wants nothing more than to rest after a tour, take off her sparkles and rejuvenate. However, her mum has other ideas and Cassie needs out. Her best friend encourages her to spend a month incognito in England, and Cassie does just this. This is where she needs the brooding, grumpy Austin, a bar owner, after she accidentally crashes her car into his beer garden. Cassie feels terrible; Bowdens is just about to re-open and Austin is furious. Cassie makes him offer: she will work off the debt for free as a waitress. Austin wants nothing more than to forget the beauty, but his own mum makes him take her on.
As Cassie and Austin work together, they become close and Austin cannot help but feel that maybe it’s time for him to give love a shot. However, Cassie’s time is running out before her true identity is revealed, possible ruining her chance at love.
Awww this honestly was just such a beautiful read. I felt so sorry for Cassie. You know there are mumagers who just don’t care and are greedy with the fame. Cassie’s mum was just horrendous. I loved how Cassie took the reins of her own life.
Austin was so darn grumpy, I loved him haha he really couldn’t help but fall for Cassie and you honestly didn’t blame; she was a total babe.
The whole secret identity was written super well!! I also loved the new found family with her friends and the people in the community: it was just wholesome.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
What a book. This is my first book by author, and it definitely will not be my last.
Cassie St James is a well known country pop star, who under her mum’s control. Cassie wants nothing more than to rest after a tour, take off her sparkles and rejuvenate. However, her mum has other ideas and Cassie needs out. Her best friend encourages her to spend a month incognito in England, and Cassie does just this. This is where she needs the brooding, grumpy Austin, a bar owner, after she accidentally crashes her car into his beer garden. Cassie feels terrible; Bowdens is just about to re-open and Austin is furious. Cassie makes him offer: she will work off the debt for free as a waitress. Austin wants nothing more than to forget the beauty, but his own mum makes him take her on.
As Cassie and Austin work together, they become close and Austin cannot help but feel that maybe it’s time for him to give love a shot. However, Cassie’s time is running out before her true identity is revealed, possible ruining her chance at love.
Awww this honestly was just such a beautiful read. I felt so sorry for Cassie. You know there are mumagers who just don’t care and are greedy with the fame. Cassie’s mum was just horrendous. I loved how Cassie took the reins of her own life.
Austin was so darn grumpy, I loved him haha he really couldn’t help but fall for Cassie and you honestly didn’t blame; she was a total babe.
The whole secret identity was written super well!! I also loved the new found family with her friends and the people in the community: it was just wholesome.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 7, 2026
4.25/5
First and foremost, I'd like to give a huge thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC, I love good books, and they just keep it coming.
I loved Cassie. I love her. She is a character with so many layers, with so much depth that I honestly enjoyed every chapter from her perspective. I felt for her so much, gah, it made me so mad how she just lost her spark and her love for music because of her demonic mother. I simply do not know why, but Cassie reminded me a lot of Michael Jackson's story in a way, and that must be the story of many celebrities. We don't know their lives and what they're going through behind closed doors, so Cassie won a spot in my heart. She felt relatable in so many ways, even if the circumstances were not.
And Austin? Who doesn't love a grump with a soft spot for the heroine? I loved his character as well, but Cassie stood out to me the most. I loved every interaction and every moment between the two of them. Austin really helped Cassie to find herself again, to simply fall in love with life all over again. This book was soulful, it was heartwarming and simply amazing in regarding to the emotional depth between them two.
Also, I gotta say, I enjoyed the setting of the story as well. Escaping to a small town, in the English countryside is so rare and so enjoyable that made me love the book even more.
All in all, this has been such a good story that I have no other words but to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good small town romance.
First and foremost, I'd like to give a huge thanks to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC, I love good books, and they just keep it coming.
I loved Cassie. I love her. She is a character with so many layers, with so much depth that I honestly enjoyed every chapter from her perspective. I felt for her so much, gah, it made me so mad how she just lost her spark and her love for music because of her demonic mother. I simply do not know why, but Cassie reminded me a lot of Michael Jackson's story in a way, and that must be the story of many celebrities. We don't know their lives and what they're going through behind closed doors, so Cassie won a spot in my heart. She felt relatable in so many ways, even if the circumstances were not.
And Austin? Who doesn't love a grump with a soft spot for the heroine? I loved his character as well, but Cassie stood out to me the most. I loved every interaction and every moment between the two of them. Austin really helped Cassie to find herself again, to simply fall in love with life all over again. This book was soulful, it was heartwarming and simply amazing in regarding to the emotional depth between them two.
Also, I gotta say, I enjoyed the setting of the story as well. Escaping to a small town, in the English countryside is so rare and so enjoyable that made me love the book even more.
All in all, this has been such a good story that I have no other words but to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good small town romance.
August 9, 2026
“Love is more than a feeling. Love is people knowing each other for everything they are—the good and the bad—and still choosing to walk through life together.”
I have to admit this one took me a bit to get through, I think it’s mainly because I didn’t want to rush Cassie’s and Austin’s story but gosh it was just so good!
Country pop star living legend needs away from the spotlights and what’s a better way than to go to a small little town and barricade herself in her room for a month or two. Sounds like a great life.
Until Cassie being Cassie, unintentionally crashes into the outside seating of a bar and from it’s one week opening at that, to then meeting the grouchy man of what soon will become an amazing reality.
That is until secrets pile up high.
I loved Austin and Cassie so much, from two completely different lives and perspectives of what has happened to the two of them to coming together in the end and facing whatever crazy storm is left, I will eat it up every time. This book had so many funny moments but Man, the parts with Miranda, get her out of her!!!
I loved this one so much and even though I’m late on an ARC review, I can’t wait for this author to release more! I’m waiting!
Thank you to love notes or and the author for getting me this copy, I’m so sorry for the late reply.
I have to admit this one took me a bit to get through, I think it’s mainly because I didn’t want to rush Cassie’s and Austin’s story but gosh it was just so good!
Country pop star living legend needs away from the spotlights and what’s a better way than to go to a small little town and barricade herself in her room for a month or two. Sounds like a great life.
Until Cassie being Cassie, unintentionally crashes into the outside seating of a bar and from it’s one week opening at that, to then meeting the grouchy man of what soon will become an amazing reality.
That is until secrets pile up high.
I loved Austin and Cassie so much, from two completely different lives and perspectives of what has happened to the two of them to coming together in the end and facing whatever crazy storm is left, I will eat it up every time. This book had so many funny moments but Man, the parts with Miranda, get her out of her!!!
I loved this one so much and even though I’m late on an ARC review, I can’t wait for this author to release more! I’m waiting!
Thank you to love notes or and the author for getting me this copy, I’m so sorry for the late reply.
August 4, 2026
ARC Review!
🤭 Celebrity FMC x Bartender MMC
🎭 Hidden Identity
🏡 Small Town
🥰 Dislike to Love
🧡 Found Family
👀 Chaotic Meet Cute
🕰️ Age Gap (8 Years).
"I've got you."
As someone who has grown up striving to be someone they're not and still not being good enough, hearing these three words for the first time would either - be enough to make someone blush and crush or would totally not believe them. But having Cassie see it through action is a whole different thing. Austin, our grumpy 'ol MC, has never been a man of many words, but he does so in action and Cassie has seen this time and time again throughout her stay in Pine Grove.
"I've been subjected to a lecture on how important it was to keep myself in shape. I hat that phrase, 'in shape'. I'm a person, that's my fucking shape."
Highlighting this has probably been one of the shakiest things I've done throughout my reading history. Having the people you love throw around words that may seem little, but it hitting you even after so many years, is a very tough baggage to bear. No one seems to ever be satisfied, so just be you and love you, and that will always be more than enough and stronger than any other ridicules out there.
🤭 Celebrity FMC x Bartender MMC
🎭 Hidden Identity
🏡 Small Town
🥰 Dislike to Love
🧡 Found Family
👀 Chaotic Meet Cute
🕰️ Age Gap (8 Years).
"I've got you."
As someone who has grown up striving to be someone they're not and still not being good enough, hearing these three words for the first time would either - be enough to make someone blush and crush or would totally not believe them. But having Cassie see it through action is a whole different thing. Austin, our grumpy 'ol MC, has never been a man of many words, but he does so in action and Cassie has seen this time and time again throughout her stay in Pine Grove.
"I've been subjected to a lecture on how important it was to keep myself in shape. I hat that phrase, 'in shape'. I'm a person, that's my fucking shape."
Highlighting this has probably been one of the shakiest things I've done throughout my reading history. Having the people you love throw around words that may seem little, but it hitting you even after so many years, is a very tough baggage to bear. No one seems to ever be satisfied, so just be you and love you, and that will always be more than enough and stronger than any other ridicules out there.
August 8, 2026
This book is so good I didn't even struggle to come up with a review title! Seriously, that's sometimes the hardest part for me when I review advance copies (this one was a double decker because I had an advance copy but got so behind on reading that I was able to borrow it from Kindle Unlimited so... I don't know which regs I fall under but I digress).
This book was the low angst romance I needed! Are there tropes and elements that appear in other books and movies, yes, of course. But I would like to point out that there are only 12 notes in music and they still manage to be combined in creative and varied enough ways to keep us listening to new music so... this really is a perfect melody.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the friend groups and the ways that they support and encourage our MCs. My second favorite thing is how Cassie started started to find her voice and how Austin and Cassie's relationship developed. My third favorite thing is how the reveals happened.
I'm so excited to read more Pine Grove that I'm going to read the prequel, and then I'm going to wait with bated breath for the next book in the series and hope that it's Phoebe and Jeremiah's book!
This book was the low angst romance I needed! Are there tropes and elements that appear in other books and movies, yes, of course. But I would like to point out that there are only 12 notes in music and they still manage to be combined in creative and varied enough ways to keep us listening to new music so... this really is a perfect melody.
My absolute favorite thing about this book is the friend groups and the ways that they support and encourage our MCs. My second favorite thing is how Cassie started started to find her voice and how Austin and Cassie's relationship developed. My third favorite thing is how the reveals happened.
I'm so excited to read more Pine Grove that I'm going to read the prequel, and then I'm going to wait with bated breath for the next book in the series and hope that it's Phoebe and Jeremiah's book!
September 23, 2026
This was an ARC I was given from LoveNotesPR.
Melody Night is an amazing singer, about to take her long-needed break after a whirlwind tour. But her manager (who is her mother, but you wouldn't know that by their relationship) is insisting that they continue the tour. The stress of being such a huge pop star with no chance to get a break, and being pushed to follow such strict rules about her appearance, diet, and every facet of her life, is just too much, so she escapes to England, her home country, and resumes her life as Cassie St. James.
But a fluke accident causes her to meet Austin Bowman, who's about to reopen his family's restaurant, but Cassie drove through his outdoor area and beer garden. The tension between the two is apparent, but their own issues are also getting in the way. The consequences of growing up in front of the camera for Cassie, and Austin having to take care of things for his family as his main priority, causes them to have some obstacles preventing them from getting along. But as they get to know each other more and more, the big elephant in the room appears: Should Cassie tell Austin the truth, that's she's an international superstar?
As a child growing up in the 80s and 90s, knowing about the Disney/NIckelodeon phenomenon, and what has happened to a lot of these young performers, the experiences that Cassie goes through are not by any means a stretch of the imagination. Every time I picked up this book, I pictured Miley Cyrus (but British) and having to play Hannah Montana, and all that she had to go through growing up, and that sadly a lot of young actors aren't so lucky. The relationship between Austin and Cassie is of course the main focus, but the struggles she has with her mom, and how they're in complete opposition to the relationship she has with Austin's mom, Abby, demonstrates that blood sometimes isn't thicker than water.
A good bit of heat later on in the book, but very enjoyable book and story. Excited to read more by this author!
Melody Night is an amazing singer, about to take her long-needed break after a whirlwind tour. But her manager (who is her mother, but you wouldn't know that by their relationship) is insisting that they continue the tour. The stress of being such a huge pop star with no chance to get a break, and being pushed to follow such strict rules about her appearance, diet, and every facet of her life, is just too much, so she escapes to England, her home country, and resumes her life as Cassie St. James.
But a fluke accident causes her to meet Austin Bowman, who's about to reopen his family's restaurant, but Cassie drove through his outdoor area and beer garden. The tension between the two is apparent, but their own issues are also getting in the way. The consequences of growing up in front of the camera for Cassie, and Austin having to take care of things for his family as his main priority, causes them to have some obstacles preventing them from getting along. But as they get to know each other more and more, the big elephant in the room appears: Should Cassie tell Austin the truth, that's she's an international superstar?
As a child growing up in the 80s and 90s, knowing about the Disney/NIckelodeon phenomenon, and what has happened to a lot of these young performers, the experiences that Cassie goes through are not by any means a stretch of the imagination. Every time I picked up this book, I pictured Miley Cyrus (but British) and having to play Hannah Montana, and all that she had to go through growing up, and that sadly a lot of young actors aren't so lucky. The relationship between Austin and Cassie is of course the main focus, but the struggles she has with her mom, and how they're in complete opposition to the relationship she has with Austin's mom, Abby, demonstrates that blood sometimes isn't thicker than water.
A good bit of heat later on in the book, but very enjoyable book and story. Excited to read more by this author!
July 28, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes for the E-Arc!
This book was so cute and wholesome. I really enjoyed getting to know Cassie and the town of Pine Grove. Cassie’s character was truly amazing!! I really liked the set up for her and how we got a glimpse of her life as Melody. I feel like it really helped me connect with her character and had me rooting for her to take the space she needed to find herself. While this is a romance book, I honestly enjoyed reading about her journey in finding out who Cassie was outside of Melody. It was truly heartwarming watching her blossom into her own person.
The romance side was slightly lacking in my opinion. I didn’t feel like I knew enough about Austin to really want them together. I did like the grumpy vibes he was giving off at first but then I feel like he switched to a completely different person towards the end. He was just okay in my opinion.
My only other note would be I think the way her secret came out should have been how everyone found out. I think watching her navigate that with Austin would have been more interesting.
All in all I did really enjoy this read and will be looking out for more by C.G. Murray!
This book was so cute and wholesome. I really enjoyed getting to know Cassie and the town of Pine Grove. Cassie’s character was truly amazing!! I really liked the set up for her and how we got a glimpse of her life as Melody. I feel like it really helped me connect with her character and had me rooting for her to take the space she needed to find herself. While this is a romance book, I honestly enjoyed reading about her journey in finding out who Cassie was outside of Melody. It was truly heartwarming watching her blossom into her own person.
The romance side was slightly lacking in my opinion. I didn’t feel like I knew enough about Austin to really want them together. I did like the grumpy vibes he was giving off at first but then I feel like he switched to a completely different person towards the end. He was just okay in my opinion.
My only other note would be I think the way her secret came out should have been how everyone found out. I think watching her navigate that with Austin would have been more interesting.
All in all I did really enjoy this read and will be looking out for more by C.G. Murray!
August 1, 2026
One of my favourite reads this summer.
I am usually a thriller girl, so the romance genre can be hit or miss for me.
This was a perfect hit. Right from the first few pages I started to really understand Cassie, her life and her need to have some ownership of her life before she burnt out.
We are introduced to Cassie in her reverse Hannah Montana moment, she arrives in Pine Grove with a literal bang and immediately has to find a way to develop her independence and reputation.
As she bursts into town she meets Austin, he is focused on his business reopening, he is grumpy, stressed and also in a transitional stage of life.
I loved watching both main characters develop, Austin felt like he could be any of my male friends, just trying to find his way in life, spending time with his mates, playing games and trying to make something of himself for those he loves. I won’t add any spoilers, but wow, he is fiercely protective of things he loves.
Pine grove written in such a way that you never want to leave, I couldn’t put this one down and it was a quick read for me.
The perfect Melody was well paced, well written and I can’t wait to return to pine grove.
I am usually a thriller girl, so the romance genre can be hit or miss for me.
This was a perfect hit. Right from the first few pages I started to really understand Cassie, her life and her need to have some ownership of her life before she burnt out.
We are introduced to Cassie in her reverse Hannah Montana moment, she arrives in Pine Grove with a literal bang and immediately has to find a way to develop her independence and reputation.
As she bursts into town she meets Austin, he is focused on his business reopening, he is grumpy, stressed and also in a transitional stage of life.
I loved watching both main characters develop, Austin felt like he could be any of my male friends, just trying to find his way in life, spending time with his mates, playing games and trying to make something of himself for those he loves. I won’t add any spoilers, but wow, he is fiercely protective of things he loves.
Pine grove written in such a way that you never want to leave, I couldn’t put this one down and it was a quick read for me.
The perfect Melody was well paced, well written and I can’t wait to return to pine grove.
August 6, 2026
I love a small town romance - add in a celebrity hiding her identity, just trying to feel normal, and I'm sold.
Cassie St. James is known to the public as country singer Melody Night, but she's fallen out of love with music. She sneaks away from her fame and hides out in Pine Grove, a small town in the English countryside.
Austin Bowman's main focus is ensuring that the grand reopening of his family's bar, the one he's now in charge of, runs smoothly. However, when "tourist" Cassie shows up, that all gets flipped upside down.
I really feel like the setting of this book elevated it so much. It would've been good anywhere, but the writing made me feel like I was right there in the English countryside with Cassie and Austin. To me, it felt like the perfect little corner for someone like Cassie to escape to. With her identity hidden, she had the opportunity to work, make friends, and even fall in love while also rediscovering herself and her love of music.
Tropes:
* Small Town
* Celebrity
* Secret Identity
* Age Gap (8 years)
* Dislike to Love
* Workplace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to C. G. Murray and Love Notes PR for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie St. James is known to the public as country singer Melody Night, but she's fallen out of love with music. She sneaks away from her fame and hides out in Pine Grove, a small town in the English countryside.
Austin Bowman's main focus is ensuring that the grand reopening of his family's bar, the one he's now in charge of, runs smoothly. However, when "tourist" Cassie shows up, that all gets flipped upside down.
I really feel like the setting of this book elevated it so much. It would've been good anywhere, but the writing made me feel like I was right there in the English countryside with Cassie and Austin. To me, it felt like the perfect little corner for someone like Cassie to escape to. With her identity hidden, she had the opportunity to work, make friends, and even fall in love while also rediscovering herself and her love of music.
Tropes:
* Small Town
* Celebrity
* Secret Identity
* Age Gap (8 years)
* Dislike to Love
* Workplace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to C. G. Murray and Love Notes PR for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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