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Discord and Harmony
145 days to get engaged or she would be written out of the will.
Lexie Cornelius, Principal Cellist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, finds herself torn between being the dutiful, responsible, middle daughter or being an independent free spirit. At the family New Year’s party her mother presents her with an ultimatum that risks her losing her inheritance, and conversations with her long-term boyfriend leave Lexie wondering if she is even capable of true connection.
Further complications arise when her self-declared professional nemesis, Felix Reynard, arrives at the ASO as a fellow cellist—he’s the only person to ever beat her out of a spot she wanted. With no clear direction, she asks her long-term virtual friend, Cellomanx1988, for support (and musical puns).
Will daily reminders of her inheritance slipping away help Lexie learn how to look inside herself and do what she wants regardless of her mother’s wishes? Or will they only serve as a countdown to becoming the ‘ultimate disappointment’ of a daughter? What will she do about the dreaded ultimatum?
Lexie Cornelius, Principal Cellist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, finds herself torn between being the dutiful, responsible, middle daughter or being an independent free spirit. At the family New Year’s party her mother presents her with an ultimatum that risks her losing her inheritance, and conversations with her long-term boyfriend leave Lexie wondering if she is even capable of true connection.
Further complications arise when her self-declared professional nemesis, Felix Reynard, arrives at the ASO as a fellow cellist—he’s the only person to ever beat her out of a spot she wanted. With no clear direction, she asks her long-term virtual friend, Cellomanx1988, for support (and musical puns).
Will daily reminders of her inheritance slipping away help Lexie learn how to look inside herself and do what she wants regardless of her mother’s wishes? Or will they only serve as a countdown to becoming the ‘ultimate disappointment’ of a daughter? What will she do about the dreaded ultimatum?
314 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 26, 2026
This is a beautiful love story. Written in 3rd person, it takes me back to reading classic novels, something we don’t see as much in recently released fiction. Lexie comes from a wealthy family and it’s beautiful to see her come into her own and stand up for herself. Felix is immediately YEARNING for Lexie (bring back men who yearn). This book gives a whole new take on enemies to lovers and also dabbles in anonymous crushes. So cute!!!
Being a resident of Georgia, I loved all the homages to Atlanta. It felt like finding little Easter eggs every time I would recognize a specific place in the book. Now I need to go to the Botanical Gardens.
The sister relationship was also beautiful in this book and provided more character depth and insight into the characters’ personal lives.
My favorite quote from the book: “One of the hardest parts of life is the reality of loss. No one escapes without experiencing it at one point or another, from your childhood pet to your childhood innocence, or the loss of a parent too soon. Loss may feel even more insurmountable when it is coupled with the deepest love.” -Emily Poppell 😭😭😭
Amazing debut novel for an amazing author!!
Being a resident of Georgia, I loved all the homages to Atlanta. It felt like finding little Easter eggs every time I would recognize a specific place in the book. Now I need to go to the Botanical Gardens.
The sister relationship was also beautiful in this book and provided more character depth and insight into the characters’ personal lives.
My favorite quote from the book: “One of the hardest parts of life is the reality of loss. No one escapes without experiencing it at one point or another, from your childhood pet to your childhood innocence, or the loss of a parent too soon. Loss may feel even more insurmountable when it is coupled with the deepest love.” -Emily Poppell 😭😭😭
Amazing debut novel for an amazing author!!
July 23, 2026
I LOVED this book!! I loved how supportive Felix is, I loved how strong and accomplished Lexie was. I loved how beautifully written this story was, and how you could feel the characters' passion for music. How a closed door romance still managed to be steamy is remarkable and I am here for it!
July 27, 2026
A lovely debut novel that shows a love story can be so much more than just a romantic kind of love. We not only fall in love with the main characters through these pages but also a city, a passion, friendships, and the bonds of sisterhood.
Review of advance copy received from Author
No Notes Review:
This book reads like a love letter to Atlanta, Georgia, as well as a love letter the FMC finally makes to herself. The harmonies made within these pages, between the sister, friends, love interest, and city itself, blend together beautifully to form a symphony of love and respect. With characters you’ll love, and those you wish would just jump off a cliff already!
I normally don’t read closed doors romance, but to say this was a stunning debut novel is to say it all!
This book reads like a love letter to Atlanta, Georgia, as well as a love letter the FMC finally makes to herself. The harmonies made within these pages, between the sister, friends, love interest, and city itself, blend together beautifully to form a symphony of love and respect. With characters you’ll love, and those you wish would just jump off a cliff already!
I normally don’t read closed doors romance, but to say this was a stunning debut novel is to say it all!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A stellar debut book. I love the theme and how you fall in love with the characters and at the same time extremely dislike others. I love the setting of the book. Makes me want to go visit Atlanta and go to a symphony. I think this would be a great beginner romance book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews