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Imperfect Harmony
Imperfect harmony can still be beautiful…
John Fletcher, a former musician, is stuck in limbo after losing his long-term partner two years ago. He’s shut himself off from everything that reminds him of what he’s lost. When his neighbour persuades him to join the local community choir, John rediscovers his love of music and finds a reason to start living again.
Rhys Callington, the talented and charismatic choir leader, captures John’s attention from the first moment they meet. He appears to be the polar opposite of John: young, vibrant, and full of life. But Rhys has darkness in his own past that is holding him back from following his dreams.
Despite the nineteen-year age gap, the two men grow close and a fragile relationship blossoms. Ghosts of the past and insecurities about the future threaten their newfound happiness. If they’re going to harmonise in life and love as they do in their music, they’ll need to start following the same score.
John Fletcher, a former musician, is stuck in limbo after losing his long-term partner two years ago. He’s shut himself off from everything that reminds him of what he’s lost. When his neighbour persuades him to join the local community choir, John rediscovers his love of music and finds a reason to start living again.
Rhys Callington, the talented and charismatic choir leader, captures John’s attention from the first moment they meet. He appears to be the polar opposite of John: young, vibrant, and full of life. But Rhys has darkness in his own past that is holding him back from following his dreams.
Despite the nineteen-year age gap, the two men grow close and a fragile relationship blossoms. Ghosts of the past and insecurities about the future threaten their newfound happiness. If they’re going to harmonise in life and love as they do in their music, they’ll need to start following the same score.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2016
38 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Jay Northcote
54 books1,655 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
April 6, 2016
At first glance, John and Rhys have nothing in common. Rhys is young and vibrant. He commands attention, and not just because of the blue streak in his hair.
John is lonely and grieving the loss of both his mom and David, his partner of nearly 20 years. A former high school music instructor, John works as a supply (substitute) teacher and feels every one of his 42 years.
When his next-door neighbor drags a reluctant John to choir practice held at a local church, John is awe-struck by Rhys's charm and talent. Rhys, the choir director, is a brilliant musician, just bursting with life.
But appearances are deceiving. As Rhys and John strike up a tentative friendship, they realize that despite their 19 year age difference they are more alike than not. They both have a deep and abiding passion for music. They enjoy walks and thoughtful conversations. And they're both grieving. Because John isn't the only one who lost half of his soul.
I loved this book for all it WASN'T—an angstfest full of melodrama and false moments—and all it WAS: a quiet, romantic story about two imperfect men making perfect music together.
John and Rhys's relationship is new and fragile. John thinks he's too old for Rhys, that Rhys deserves someone younger, more attractive, just MORE. But Rhys knows what he wants, and he puts his heart on the line for John.
I loved the times John and Rhys volunteered at the nursing home, the way they came together when they sang. Rhys helps John find music again, and both men crawl out of their self-imposed hibernation and begin to heal.
Their first intimate moments are a little awkward. And this awkwardness feels so right, so REAL. John stresses about his hairy body, his less than firm belly. Rhys worries that he's too scrawny.
But passion doesn't require perfection, just a little bit of practice.
There is no undue fuckery, no fighting, no homophobia, just two men lucky enough to have a second chance at love.
I admit I needed a tissue or two, particularly during the last few chapters when John gets scared and pushes Rhys away, but I smiled far more than I cried. The epilogue is glorious, filled with friendship, music, and love.
In the end, we all write our own songs.
John is lonely and grieving the loss of both his mom and David, his partner of nearly 20 years. A former high school music instructor, John works as a supply (substitute) teacher and feels every one of his 42 years.
When his next-door neighbor drags a reluctant John to choir practice held at a local church, John is awe-struck by Rhys's charm and talent. Rhys, the choir director, is a brilliant musician, just bursting with life.
But appearances are deceiving. As Rhys and John strike up a tentative friendship, they realize that despite their 19 year age difference they are more alike than not. They both have a deep and abiding passion for music. They enjoy walks and thoughtful conversations. And they're both grieving. Because John isn't the only one who lost half of his soul.
I loved this book for all it WASN'T—an angstfest full of melodrama and false moments—and all it WAS: a quiet, romantic story about two imperfect men making perfect music together.
John and Rhys's relationship is new and fragile. John thinks he's too old for Rhys, that Rhys deserves someone younger, more attractive, just MORE. But Rhys knows what he wants, and he puts his heart on the line for John.
I loved the times John and Rhys volunteered at the nursing home, the way they came together when they sang. Rhys helps John find music again, and both men crawl out of their self-imposed hibernation and begin to heal.
Their first intimate moments are a little awkward. And this awkwardness feels so right, so REAL. John stresses about his hairy body, his less than firm belly. Rhys worries that he's too scrawny.
But passion doesn't require perfection, just a little bit of practice.
There is no undue fuckery, no fighting, no homophobia, just two men lucky enough to have a second chance at love.
I admit I needed a tissue or two, particularly during the last few chapters when John gets scared and pushes Rhys away, but I smiled far more than I cried. The epilogue is glorious, filled with friendship, music, and love.
In the end, we all write our own songs.
June 15, 2016
3.5 Stars!
I found this one to be rather melancholy. And a bit boring if I'm being honest. I just couldn't seem to get in to it. The first 25% or so was a lot of going to choir practice, walking dogs, and visiting the nursing home.
Both MCs were in their heads a lot. And yeah, what they both went through was really sad (I'm not completely heartless) but at times I thought the exes were too present.
Things did pick up once the MCs got together....but at this point I was starting to skim.
This one just never grabbed me so I couldn't hang on.
I found this one to be rather melancholy. And a bit boring if I'm being honest. I just couldn't seem to get in to it. The first 25% or so was a lot of going to choir practice, walking dogs, and visiting the nursing home.
Both MCs were in their heads a lot. And yeah, what they both went through was really sad (I'm not completely heartless) but at times I thought the exes were too present.
Things did pick up once the MCs got together....but at this point I was starting to skim.
This one just never grabbed me so I couldn't hang on.
Read
April 17, 2016Now out, and on KU until mid July.
Imperfect Harmony, tells the story of two lost souls, John and Rhys, who connect and find happiness again through their shared love of music. During the course of the story I mention several songs/tunes that are important to the story. I wrote a blog post with a playlist and links to the music referenced in the story. You can read it here:
https://jaynorthcote.com/2016/04/16/i...
This title will be Amazon exclusive for 90 days after release, after that it will be available to buy in the all the usual places.
Imperfect Harmony, tells the story of two lost souls, John and Rhys, who connect and find happiness again through their shared love of music. During the course of the story I mention several songs/tunes that are important to the story. I wrote a blog post with a playlist and links to the music referenced in the story. You can read it here:
https://jaynorthcote.com/2016/04/16/i...
This title will be Amazon exclusive for 90 days after release, after that it will be available to buy in the all the usual places.
April 5, 2016
Gosh, I sure did love this one. Imperfect Harmony is the story of two very different with similar life experiences. John is 42 and grieving the loss of his partner David and his mom. At this point, he's just going through the motions. Then one day he's talked into participating in the local choir. The choir director is a charismatic young man with tattoos and blue hair and 19 years younger than John.
There was so much to love about this book here are my highlights:
-I love opposites attract stories, and this one was written exquisitely. Although these men had different personalities, they also had enough common ground to make their relationship work and seem believable.
-I thought the age difference was handled realistically. The concerns that came up were valid- I could see where John was coming from.
-The angst. It never became over the top, and I appreciated that both men were mature enough to communicate.
-I loved the simplicity of the story. This was just a lovely slice of life book. It felt real.
-The pace flowed effortlessly.
-Great main characters!
-Relationship development was beautiful. My heart couldn't help but melt during their interactions. The looks, the kisses, their music sessions.
-The epilogue. Thank you Miss Northcote for giving us one. ♥
I think Jay Northcote has hit her stride- she's just getting and better. Imperfect Harmony is a delightful story about grieving, healing, second chances,and love. Well done, Miss Northcote. 5 Stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
March 25, 2018
3.75 HEARTS--Imperfect Harmony is a second chance at romance story that features two men with a nineteen year age gap. Though their differences in their age might be great, they shared passions in music helps bridge the gap. Set in small town in Britain, John still grieves for his partner. It's been two years but the grief is still present. He lives a quiet life in his former family home alone. A well meaning family friend invites him to a community choir practice. When he finally comes inside for a few, it changes his life for the better.
John sets his eyes on the blue-haired, tatted and (obviously) younger choir director, Rhys and he can't help but be drawn in by the musical talent. John is reluctant to try to live life again. Music helps ease his pain. Getting to know the choir director doesn't hurt either.
A volunteer job at a local senior home, as well as choir practices, helps the men familiarize themselves with one another. Plus, they find they share another thing in common: major losses at crucial points in their lives.
Before you think Imperfect Harmony is heavy with angst, it isn't.
Northcote keeps it (for most parts) pretty light. There's light hurt/comfort, but nothing you need to crawl up and bury yourself in a corner with liquor for. Though the story is told in dual POV, I felt it was John's story mostly. I enjoy reading loners and widowers. I felt Northcote did a good job here. He showcased John's grief where you can understand why he would react to change the way he did. John's slower to accept his feelings for Rhys. It might be frustrating for some, especially when the main conflict came up. But understanding John, it fit the way he was written.
The story is 3.5 Hearts for me. It was interesting. It had a decent amount of slow build (which I think is needed for characters that are still feeling the effects of loss of a loved one). There was some points where it dragged. I didn't read along to make notes but the dragging parts were mainly in the middle. The mood for the story was tame overall. A little sweet, quiet, slow burn,
Was there sex? Yes, indeedy. It's not a sex heavy book. But the moments read organic. Sweet vanilla with a few realistic moments. *cough*performance anxiety*cough*
Steadman is a great choice for narrating Northcote's words. He gives enough emotion and empathy to all of his characters. It makes for a solid experience. And if you're new audio books or hesitant on trying the audio route, Steadman is definitely a narrator I'd recommend to newbies. I'd rate the narration 4 Hearts since I felt Steadman was pretty good.
I averaged my ratings for the final rating.
If you're looking for romance that features a large age gap and a love for music without a lot of flash and has substance, check out Imperfect Harmony on audio!
A copy provided for an honest review.
John sets his eyes on the blue-haired, tatted and (obviously) younger choir director, Rhys and he can't help but be drawn in by the musical talent. John is reluctant to try to live life again. Music helps ease his pain. Getting to know the choir director doesn't hurt either.
A volunteer job at a local senior home, as well as choir practices, helps the men familiarize themselves with one another. Plus, they find they share another thing in common: major losses at crucial points in their lives.
Before you think Imperfect Harmony is heavy with angst, it isn't.
Northcote keeps it (for most parts) pretty light. There's light hurt/comfort, but nothing you need to crawl up and bury yourself in a corner with liquor for. Though the story is told in dual POV, I felt it was John's story mostly. I enjoy reading loners and widowers. I felt Northcote did a good job here. He showcased John's grief where you can understand why he would react to change the way he did. John's slower to accept his feelings for Rhys. It might be frustrating for some, especially when the main conflict came up. But understanding John, it fit the way he was written.
The story is 3.5 Hearts for me. It was interesting. It had a decent amount of slow build (which I think is needed for characters that are still feeling the effects of loss of a loved one). There was some points where it dragged. I didn't read along to make notes but the dragging parts were mainly in the middle. The mood for the story was tame overall. A little sweet, quiet, slow burn,
Was there sex? Yes, indeedy. It's not a sex heavy book. But the moments read organic. Sweet vanilla with a few realistic moments. *cough*performance anxiety*cough*
Steadman is a great choice for narrating Northcote's words. He gives enough emotion and empathy to all of his characters. It makes for a solid experience. And if you're new audio books or hesitant on trying the audio route, Steadman is definitely a narrator I'd recommend to newbies. I'd rate the narration 4 Hearts since I felt Steadman was pretty good.
I averaged my ratings for the final rating.
If you're looking for romance that features a large age gap and a love for music without a lot of flash and has substance, check out Imperfect Harmony on audio!
A copy provided for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
3.5 'imperfect' stars
Imperfect Harmony dealt with loss and second chances. It is an emotional book that tug at my heart strings even though I never went through such event before.
John Fletcher, 42, is a music teacher who loss his long termed partner to an accident. Back at his hometown, he was going through life as a supply teacher while secluding himself from any socialization.
"I miss you. I wish you were still here."
Rhys Callington, 23, is a musician and the choir leader for the local community. He too had loss someone dear to him and moved back to his hometown to hide from the limelight and lick his wounds. His days not comprised of leading the choir and volunteering at his gran's nursing home.
John met Rhys when his elderly neighbor dragged him to the choir one day and despite reluctantly joined in for a session, John was hooked. He had been avoiding music for so long and now that the barrier is lifted, he feels alive again.
Considering that both John and Rhys have pretty similar past with the lost of their partners, the story is bit heavy on the emotion side and in need of much courage for them to take the first step to find love again. But not only that they shared similar past and empathy towards each other, they also complement well in terms of their musical interest and sexual chemistry.
"I didn't realize how much I missed being held. When you're in a relationship, you take it for granted. Having someone to touch, someone who touches you, someone to hug when you need a hug, or even when you don't."
I like the way Jay portray these two imperfect characters. They both didn't possess the perfect physique and have to deal with some self consciousness. John is nearing middle age and he was so concern about how people think about his relationship with Rhys. Rhys is so much younger and vibrant compare to John. But they prove that age is just a figure and what's inside that counts.
I would say this is the kind of story that slow me down and make me want to enjoy it like a fine wine. I'm so used to dramatic plot and colorful characters that Imperfect Harmony might pale in comparison. This is totally a personal preference and I believe for those who like reading slow burn romance without the drama overload will able to appreciate John and Rhys story.
Imperfect Harmony dealt with loss and second chances. It is an emotional book that tug at my heart strings even though I never went through such event before.
John Fletcher, 42, is a music teacher who loss his long termed partner to an accident. Back at his hometown, he was going through life as a supply teacher while secluding himself from any socialization.
"I miss you. I wish you were still here."
Rhys Callington, 23, is a musician and the choir leader for the local community. He too had loss someone dear to him and moved back to his hometown to hide from the limelight and lick his wounds. His days not comprised of leading the choir and volunteering at his gran's nursing home.
John met Rhys when his elderly neighbor dragged him to the choir one day and despite reluctantly joined in for a session, John was hooked. He had been avoiding music for so long and now that the barrier is lifted, he feels alive again.
Considering that both John and Rhys have pretty similar past with the lost of their partners, the story is bit heavy on the emotion side and in need of much courage for them to take the first step to find love again. But not only that they shared similar past and empathy towards each other, they also complement well in terms of their musical interest and sexual chemistry.
"I didn't realize how much I missed being held. When you're in a relationship, you take it for granted. Having someone to touch, someone who touches you, someone to hug when you need a hug, or even when you don't."
I like the way Jay portray these two imperfect characters. They both didn't possess the perfect physique and have to deal with some self consciousness. John is nearing middle age and he was so concern about how people think about his relationship with Rhys. Rhys is so much younger and vibrant compare to John. But they prove that age is just a figure and what's inside that counts.
I would say this is the kind of story that slow me down and make me want to enjoy it like a fine wine. I'm so used to dramatic plot and colorful characters that Imperfect Harmony might pale in comparison. This is totally a personal preference and I believe for those who like reading slow burn romance without the drama overload will able to appreciate John and Rhys story.
April 15, 2016
**4.5 stars**
This story had every potential to be a bottomless pit of angst. It would be so easy for this to turn into melodrama, but it didn't. Sure, there is grief and sorrow. But most of all, Imperfect Harmony is a story about love, hope, and music.
It's been two years since John lost his partner, David. Two years of loneliness, without another person's touch, and without music. When he meets the director of the local choir, Rhys, he can't imagine that the vibrant, tattooed, blue-haired man shares the same burden.
Rhys might be 19 years younger than John, but he feels way older. Because he has lost the two most important things in his life too: his partner and music.
The singing sessions turn into friendship, and friendship turns into so much more. There were so many scenes that touched me deeply; their singing together at the nursing home, the last straw that made Rhys break down in the end, the beautiful moment when John played "Danny Boy" again.
I loved how real everything felt. Their bodies weren't perfect, their first time having sex was very far from perfect, and the both carry insecurities that keep messing things up.
The conflict of this story is real. There is a pretty big age gap between them, and despite Rhys' reassurances, John can't see past it. There is love, but sometimes it doesn't feel enough. It's up to Rhys to work harder and bring them together. But when they do come together, it's magic and rainbows. It's perfect harmony!
On one hand, I would have liked to see John taking the final leap. On the other, this is just how John was, and the author stayed true to his character. If anything, it made me love Rhys even more, for always wearing his heart on his sleeve, and for staying true to himself without giving up.
Stories with grieving characters can be tricky. For me, this one delevered 100%, because it treated the lost loves with respect, and the newfound ones with hope.
This story had every potential to be a bottomless pit of angst. It would be so easy for this to turn into melodrama, but it didn't. Sure, there is grief and sorrow. But most of all, Imperfect Harmony is a story about love, hope, and music.
It's been two years since John lost his partner, David. Two years of loneliness, without another person's touch, and without music. When he meets the director of the local choir, Rhys, he can't imagine that the vibrant, tattooed, blue-haired man shares the same burden.
Rhys might be 19 years younger than John, but he feels way older. Because he has lost the two most important things in his life too: his partner and music.
The singing sessions turn into friendship, and friendship turns into so much more. There were so many scenes that touched me deeply; their singing together at the nursing home, the last straw that made Rhys break down in the end, the beautiful moment when John played "Danny Boy" again.
I loved how real everything felt. Their bodies weren't perfect, their first time having sex was very far from perfect, and the both carry insecurities that keep messing things up.
The conflict of this story is real. There is a pretty big age gap between them, and despite Rhys' reassurances, John can't see past it. There is love, but sometimes it doesn't feel enough. It's up to Rhys to work harder and bring them together. But when they do come together, it's magic and rainbows. It's perfect harmony!
On one hand, I would have liked to see John taking the final leap. On the other, this is just how John was, and the author stayed true to his character. If anything, it made me love Rhys even more, for always wearing his heart on his sleeve, and for staying true to himself without giving up.
Stories with grieving characters can be tricky. For me, this one delevered 100%, because it treated the lost loves with respect, and the newfound ones with hope.
March 26, 2016
4.5 Stars
2016 has been good to me so far with the books! If there is one thing I like even better than stories of self discovery, it's second chance stories, and Imperfect Harmony does not disappoint.
Both John and Rhys know what it's like to lose a loved one. In John's case, he lost his partner of twenty years and still bears the guilt of surviving. Rhys lost his boyfriend to death, too, and it wrecked him, and being so young, he maybe didn't quite have the coping skills that life experience will get you. None the less, both John and Rhys grieved heavily and do still.
I found it easy to identify with John. Not in the 'lost the love of your life' kind of identify, thank FSM, but I'm around his age and I've been with my husband for 23 years. I know that if I lost him I would be devastated. And completely unprepared to reenter the dating scene. And that isn't even taking into consideration the possibility of dating someone so much younger. I get the insecurity from the age gap and the being a bit softer than I was when I was 23. So, it would be scary and I get John's hesitation where Rhys is concerned.
And John is out of his depth for much of the book.
Rhys is young and confident and while he might not have known he was ready to move on, he is. He still grieves for Lyle, but something about John just calls out to him. And John feels the same for Rhys. They have music in common, and grief, too. Rhys is older than his years would suggest. He's a responsible adult who buried his lover a couple years ago. That'll age even the young. And Rhys is willing to take a chance that the connection he feels to John is the real thing.
I always know I can count on Jay Northcote to serve me up a story, so sweet. And she did that here. There's not a whole lot of angst (just John being a bit stubborn every now and again), and I loved that when they first get together, there is some awkwardness. Neither man had been with anyone since they lost their partners and they're both so nervous. That nervousness was sweet and real to me.
Needless to say (at this point), I loved Imperfect Harmony, from the first page, to the ever so sweet last page of the epilogue. I believe in second chances.
2016 has been good to me so far with the books! If there is one thing I like even better than stories of self discovery, it's second chance stories, and Imperfect Harmony does not disappoint.
Both John and Rhys know what it's like to lose a loved one. In John's case, he lost his partner of twenty years and still bears the guilt of surviving. Rhys lost his boyfriend to death, too, and it wrecked him, and being so young, he maybe didn't quite have the coping skills that life experience will get you. None the less, both John and Rhys grieved heavily and do still.
I found it easy to identify with John. Not in the 'lost the love of your life' kind of identify, thank FSM, but I'm around his age and I've been with my husband for 23 years. I know that if I lost him I would be devastated. And completely unprepared to reenter the dating scene. And that isn't even taking into consideration the possibility of dating someone so much younger. I get the insecurity from the age gap and the being a bit softer than I was when I was 23. So, it would be scary and I get John's hesitation where Rhys is concerned.
And John is out of his depth for much of the book.
Rhys is young and confident and while he might not have known he was ready to move on, he is. He still grieves for Lyle, but something about John just calls out to him. And John feels the same for Rhys. They have music in common, and grief, too. Rhys is older than his years would suggest. He's a responsible adult who buried his lover a couple years ago. That'll age even the young. And Rhys is willing to take a chance that the connection he feels to John is the real thing.
I always know I can count on Jay Northcote to serve me up a story, so sweet. And she did that here. There's not a whole lot of angst (just John being a bit stubborn every now and again), and I loved that when they first get together, there is some awkwardness. Neither man had been with anyone since they lost their partners and they're both so nervous. That nervousness was sweet and real to me.
Needless to say (at this point), I loved Imperfect Harmony, from the first page, to the ever so sweet last page of the epilogue. I believe in second chances.
February 27, 2017
This book ticks quite a few of my 'like boxes':
.) age gap
.) interesting MCs
.) in depth characterization
.) musicians and music making
.) a realistic plot
.) subtle humour
.) furry chest (LOL, judge me if you must!)
.) a very nice HEA (or is it a NHF?)
The main themes of Imperfect Harmony are grief management and age difference, and the author deals with both very nicely.
Being closer to John's age I can fully appreciate all his worries about going it long term with Rhys . I would have exactly the same concerns, the same fears and uncertainties. John does have the experience of life. There is no way you see the world the same way at 23 and 42. Imo John has every right to worry, even if it causes quite a bit of anguish for both of them.
Rhys is young and full of enthusiasm, and he has fallen in love. Of course he doesn't understand why John hesitates. For him the whole case is crystal clear. He wants John, loves his quiet strength and calm, his furry chest and sense of humour. And then there is also the music - John and Rhys harmonize beautifully when it comes to that. Music is a really important part of my life and I really loved all their music making and felt the happiness it is spreading in every pore.
I think my favourite scene of the book was their first time together. Awkward, a bit clumsy, but so full of feels. I thought, yes, this is real. I can see this happening just like that, totally. So well written!
All in all a very enjoyable read!
.) age gap
.) interesting MCs
.) in depth characterization
.) musicians and music making
.) a realistic plot
.) subtle humour
.) furry chest (LOL, judge me if you must!)
.) a very nice HEA (or is it a NHF?)
The main themes of Imperfect Harmony are grief management and age difference, and the author deals with both very nicely.
Being closer to John's age I can fully appreciate all his worries about going it long term with Rhys . I would have exactly the same concerns, the same fears and uncertainties. John does have the experience of life. There is no way you see the world the same way at 23 and 42. Imo John has every right to worry, even if it causes quite a bit of anguish for both of them.
Rhys is young and full of enthusiasm, and he has fallen in love. Of course he doesn't understand why John hesitates. For him the whole case is crystal clear. He wants John, loves his quiet strength and calm, his furry chest and sense of humour. And then there is also the music - John and Rhys harmonize beautifully when it comes to that. Music is a really important part of my life and I really loved all their music making and felt the happiness it is spreading in every pore.
I think my favourite scene of the book was their first time together. Awkward, a bit clumsy, but so full of feels. I thought, yes, this is real. I can see this happening just like that, totally. So well written!
All in all a very enjoyable read!
March 25, 2016
So this one will go in the everyone-loved-it-but-me category.
I LOVE Jay Northcote. I love her MORE when she writes full-length over novella-length. But this one fell flat (music pun ;P). What I DID love: lots of music in this book and did you see the cover? Amazing!
But......It was just too sweet, too goody-goody, too MUCH of something. The fluff was higher than what I expect from Northcote. There was grief and slight conflict, but it was really a case of personal tastes from ME and not the book itself.
These men drive around elderly neighbors after their hip surgeries, walk their neighbors' dogs, sing weekly at nursing homes......I mean two amazing people who are so freakin selfless, right? Am I horrible that that kind of thing doesn't belong in my m/m romance books in such a blatant abundance? Yes, I guess so. Still not sorry. It was just too much goody goodyness.
Then we have a double case of dead partners. It's gotta be handled really well for me when it's just ONE of the MCs experiencing grief, but both? That's almost insurmountable to be handled well according to my wants, and it really wasn't.
Yes, there were too many ghosts for ME to be fully present with this book. I mean, the MCs admitted to thinking of their respective dead lovers during sex!! I don't want to read that shit in my romance, no matter how realistic it may be in RL. Just no.
But it's Northcote, and she writes so well. Don't think for a minute that the writing isn't as superb as always. But then......
Renée's biggest pet peeve in her reading happened. The "M" word. The last quarter of the book pinged (loudly) on my martyr bullshit meter. See, John is 19 years older than Rhys, and he's not comfortable with that. Even though Rhys never read as even slightly immature. He acts older than John for most of the book. So John pulls out the big Martyr card, and I got irritated.
And then he didn't even bother working to resolve the conflict. It was all Rhys. Who's the older MC again? Apparently not John.
Sigh. It's all about my personal taste, and I own that. Everyone else so far has LOVED this, so I'm the cheese standing alone in the corner. If my personal niggles don't bother you in the slightest, I'm sure you'll love it like everyone else. This just wasn't for me.
I remain a die-hard Northcote fan, though. This was all about the story and not the writing itself, which is great as always.
I LOVE Jay Northcote. I love her MORE when she writes full-length over novella-length. But this one fell flat (music pun ;P). What I DID love: lots of music in this book and did you see the cover? Amazing!
But......It was just too sweet, too goody-goody, too MUCH of something. The fluff was higher than what I expect from Northcote. There was grief and slight conflict, but it was really a case of personal tastes from ME and not the book itself.
These men drive around elderly neighbors after their hip surgeries, walk their neighbors' dogs, sing weekly at nursing homes......I mean two amazing people who are so freakin selfless, right? Am I horrible that that kind of thing doesn't belong in my m/m romance books in such a blatant abundance? Yes, I guess so. Still not sorry. It was just too much goody goodyness.
Then we have a double case of dead partners. It's gotta be handled really well for me when it's just ONE of the MCs experiencing grief, but both? That's almost insurmountable to be handled well according to my wants, and it really wasn't.
There were too many ghosts in the room for John to be fully present with Rhys.
Yes, there were too many ghosts for ME to be fully present with this book. I mean, the MCs admitted to thinking of their respective dead lovers during sex!! I don't want to read that shit in my romance, no matter how realistic it may be in RL. Just no.
But it's Northcote, and she writes so well. Don't think for a minute that the writing isn't as superb as always. But then......
Renée's biggest pet peeve in her reading happened. The "M" word. The last quarter of the book pinged (loudly) on my martyr bullshit meter. See, John is 19 years older than Rhys, and he's not comfortable with that. Even though Rhys never read as even slightly immature. He acts older than John for most of the book. So John pulls out the big Martyr card, and I got irritated.
He kept circling back to the belief that he wasn't good enough for Rhys, that Rhys needed someone different, someone younger.
Someone else.
And then he didn't even bother working to resolve the conflict. It was all Rhys. Who's the older MC again? Apparently not John.
Sigh. It's all about my personal taste, and I own that. Everyone else so far has LOVED this, so I'm the cheese standing alone in the corner. If my personal niggles don't bother you in the slightest, I'm sure you'll love it like everyone else. This just wasn't for me.
I remain a die-hard Northcote fan, though. This was all about the story and not the writing itself, which is great as always.
July 24, 2016
I have to admit, I'm making this book more personal to me. As if Jay wrote this for me.
The grieving, the losing someone named David. The thing with hard to move on, that not everyone will understand.
I do.
Because death sucks.
"Death sucked, losing people sucked. It was as simple as that."
It's like robbed you on the spot when you want to pay the cashier for your purchases. And all you can do is sad and angry. At first, you don't know what to do without it.
Jay made a better analogy about this kind of losing someone .
""It's as if you had a story and it was never finished. You never got to know the ending because a whole fucking chunk of the pages have been torn out of the back of the book. And it's so unfair""
So it what was happened with John and Rhys. Moving on when you're still grieving is never easy. Falling for another person while all you wanted is your dead partner's back, even harder.
""It's crap that you have to go on without him. It never goes away, even when it gets better... it never stops hurting completely""
I think this is what Jay's wants to tell us about the book. It;s about acceptance, moving on, and try to adjust with a new life and let someone else 'in'. It was never easy, but when you're finally met the right person, you need to embrace it, instead pushing it away.
That was what John's trying to do to Rhys, insecurity about the age differences and the doubt about their future together, haunted him. Even David's ghost keeps telling him to go on without him.
""You have to go on without me"
I'm glad that Rhys, lots younger than John in age, is way more mature than him. He's easily let his feeling for John developing, and waited for John to realized, it's worth it.
The same interest in music, probably is the best part that make them attracted to each other. Thing with music is, I need more of Rhys to explore his ability to sing at the club, or a little concert,maybe?
Or Jay,probably, I hope, saved it for a novella. I need more Rhys and John in the future !
Thanks for the story Jay Northcote.
* I received the ARC for my blog in exchange for a fair and unbiased review*
June 16, 2017
Age doesn't always bring wisdom with it...
"Imperfect Harmony" is a wonderful second chance story about to men who for all intents and purposes on paper shouldn't work but they do...sometimes opposites do attract.
John is 19 years older than Rhys. He's already lost too much and keeps the world at a distance trying to keep the hurt away. But the world has a way of only letting a person have so much distance and when John's neighbor finally lures him into choir practice one day the world presents him with Rhys, he's young, he's got blue hair and tattoos and he can sing...like an angel. Sometimes the world fights dirty...music is John's weakness and little by little as he finds himself returning to choir practice with his neighbor he begins to realize how much he's missed having music in his life.
It's their shared love of music that slowly draws these two men together. But it's the growing attraction that keeps them both wanting more than just choir practice time with each other. This could have been an over the top angst fest but instead it was sweet story about two men each dealing with their own grief while helping the other through theirs.
The interaction between these two men was good, it was fun and sexy with serious moments and glimpses into their past and made even better with the addition of seeing John and Rhys interact with the other people in their lives as well...John with his neighbor, co-workers and other choir members and Rhys with his family, members in his choir group and the seniors at the retirement home where he goes every week to lead the residents in a sing-along. An event that he ultimately convinces John to join him in.
It's all these little interactions that come together to create a picture of two men who are each kind and caring in their own ways, giving of themselves to the people around them and freely sharing kindness and making lives a little brighter but never realizing that they deserve to be happy too.
Sometimes the road back from grieving can seem like it's all uphill until the right person takes your hand and starts to walk with you.
I love a good second-chance story and "Imperfect Harmony" was a wonderful second chance story and it was only further enhanced in the audio book through the excellent narration provided by Mark Steadman. The 'basics list' was easily checked off and the voices fit readily into my perceptions of how these characters would sound adding a further dimension to the story and allowing me to enjoy things all the more.
Whether it's an e-book or an audio book a good story is a good story and this good story is worth enjoying no matter what format you choose.
********************
An audiobook of "Imperfect Harmony" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Imperfect Harmony" is a wonderful second chance story about to men who for all intents and purposes on paper shouldn't work but they do...sometimes opposites do attract.
John is 19 years older than Rhys. He's already lost too much and keeps the world at a distance trying to keep the hurt away. But the world has a way of only letting a person have so much distance and when John's neighbor finally lures him into choir practice one day the world presents him with Rhys, he's young, he's got blue hair and tattoos and he can sing...like an angel. Sometimes the world fights dirty...music is John's weakness and little by little as he finds himself returning to choir practice with his neighbor he begins to realize how much he's missed having music in his life.
It's their shared love of music that slowly draws these two men together. But it's the growing attraction that keeps them both wanting more than just choir practice time with each other. This could have been an over the top angst fest but instead it was sweet story about two men each dealing with their own grief while helping the other through theirs.
The interaction between these two men was good, it was fun and sexy with serious moments and glimpses into their past and made even better with the addition of seeing John and Rhys interact with the other people in their lives as well...John with his neighbor, co-workers and other choir members and Rhys with his family, members in his choir group and the seniors at the retirement home where he goes every week to lead the residents in a sing-along. An event that he ultimately convinces John to join him in.
It's all these little interactions that come together to create a picture of two men who are each kind and caring in their own ways, giving of themselves to the people around them and freely sharing kindness and making lives a little brighter but never realizing that they deserve to be happy too.
Sometimes the road back from grieving can seem like it's all uphill until the right person takes your hand and starts to walk with you.
I love a good second-chance story and "Imperfect Harmony" was a wonderful second chance story and it was only further enhanced in the audio book through the excellent narration provided by Mark Steadman. The 'basics list' was easily checked off and the voices fit readily into my perceptions of how these characters would sound adding a further dimension to the story and allowing me to enjoy things all the more.
Whether it's an e-book or an audio book a good story is a good story and this good story is worth enjoying no matter what format you choose.
********************
An audiobook of "Imperfect Harmony" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2020
A beautifully written story of love, loss and second chances. Loved the setting - with John being a substitute music teacher, and Rhys teaching community choir and leading other musical clubs around town. Each have lost someone very dear to them and throughout the book John has to come to terms with moving past the mourning he has done for the last two years after his partner David died. For me personally, the middle of the book seemed a bit slow, but I liked the low-angst of the book, and the ending was perfect.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
November 23, 2016
Jay Northcote has done it again. He just gets better and better, and while this one didn't quite grab me the way some of his others have, I still found myself enjoying the fuck out of it. It was refreshing reading about love that wasn't instant, sex that wasn't perfect, and two characters who are flawed, but not needlessly wangsty and brooding.
March 30, 2016
4 Second Chances Stars
This is a great book by author Jay Northcote about two men who are both trying to overcome past losses and see if they can learn to live and maybe even love again.
John Fletcher, he is one of our MC, he is older, set in his ways yet stuck in limbo at the same time after losing his partner of over twenty years. He doesn't know how to live without his partner. So, he doesn't. It isn't until he is helping his elderly neighbor to choir practice that he meets our second MC Rhys Callington. Reese is young, he appears to be outgoing, with his gorgeous looks and his wild blue hair -- then add in his soothing, melodic voice and he captures John's interest from Day one.
What John can't understand is what this younger man, who is in-fact 19 years younger than him could possibly see in Him, a washed up man who is depressed on a good day and lost on a bad day. Rhys however is attracted to John and come two find out these two men have a lot more in common than one would think. Now if John can just get past his insecurities of being with a younger man, these two may find their way into making their own imperfect harmony.
So, normally I don't enjoy May/December Romances, but Ms. Northcote had my attention already before I realized what the book was about and I will admit I am a sucker for book from this author. I am glad I read this book as it really is a sweet love story with a little bit of everything for all types of readers. These two MC will grab your hearts and hold a piece of it forever. I only wish we got a little bit more of their HEA and more of a look into Rhys's head.
Overall, 4 solid stars.
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This is a great book by author Jay Northcote about two men who are both trying to overcome past losses and see if they can learn to live and maybe even love again.
John Fletcher, he is one of our MC, he is older, set in his ways yet stuck in limbo at the same time after losing his partner of over twenty years. He doesn't know how to live without his partner. So, he doesn't. It isn't until he is helping his elderly neighbor to choir practice that he meets our second MC Rhys Callington. Reese is young, he appears to be outgoing, with his gorgeous looks and his wild blue hair -- then add in his soothing, melodic voice and he captures John's interest from Day one.
What John can't understand is what this younger man, who is in-fact 19 years younger than him could possibly see in Him, a washed up man who is depressed on a good day and lost on a bad day. Rhys however is attracted to John and come two find out these two men have a lot more in common than one would think. Now if John can just get past his insecurities of being with a younger man, these two may find their way into making their own imperfect harmony.
So, normally I don't enjoy May/December Romances, but Ms. Northcote had my attention already before I realized what the book was about and I will admit I am a sucker for book from this author. I am glad I read this book as it really is a sweet love story with a little bit of everything for all types of readers. These two MC will grab your hearts and hold a piece of it forever. I only wish we got a little bit more of their HEA and more of a look into Rhys's head.
Overall, 4 solid stars.
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
September 22, 2018
I think this romance is a bit of hidden treasure. Each element is carefully painted. The choir, the music, the grief, the age difference... we even get dogs!
I am a big fan of Jay Northcote and this book really speaks to why. I love the imperfect loveliness of the heros. The risk of a second chance the not perfect sex and so much love.
Pick this one up and enjoy.
I am a big fan of Jay Northcote and this book really speaks to why. I love the imperfect loveliness of the heros. The risk of a second chance the not perfect sex and so much love.
Pick this one up and enjoy.
May 13, 2016
Hypocrite. I try my best not be to hypocritical and ensure my actions and beliefs coincide. Yet there are times when reading that I stop and ponder my reactions to a book and how they have changed throughout the years. I strive to read with an open-heart and an open-mind. I have struggled with significant age gaps in my romance novels in the past. I wish I could reread all of those stories now. I have come to understand and appreciate that love knows no age.
Imperfect Harmony is a beautiful example of this. Thank you Jay for continuing to grant me with reading experiences that open my eyes and heart wider than I ever thought was possible.
Okay, so where was I? Oh yeah. John and Rhys.
John has been blessed with all of the wonders that come with a long-term soul mate. As we know, giving your heart to another bears huge risks. If something tragic happens to this person, they take a piece of you with them. When David is taken from John he loses more than just his partner, he loses bits of himself. Grief strikes again when his mother passes away and John willingly lets sorrow consume him. John is an artist, a musician to be precise, but the songs of his soul all included David. He can’t face them. He is still mourning and feels like he is betraying his grief if he so much as hums a tune. Dust and darkness settle on all the happiness John once had. When his elderly neighbor (such a charming little lady) pressures him to accompany her to her choir group, a fresh ray of light brightens his world. John is startled and unsettled. The time for joy in his life is over and one person can’t have pure love twice in a lifetime, can they?
Rhys is vivid, happy and shines brightly. Despite the heartache his young heart has suffered, he is a ray of sunshine. He has also loved and lost but he has progressed further along on the healing train than John has. He returned home to focus on mending the shattered pieces of his heart. Leading the local choir relieved the sharpness of his anguish. Music runs in his blood and has defined him but he could turn his back on music as easily as he could choose to stop breathing. He may have detoured from his musical path but he’s content with his life at the moment. When a gloomy stranger slips into his choir group one evening, he is drawn to the man. He hungers for the smile that he believes lurks behind the shadows. He wants to alleviate his pain if possible. A fragile friendship blooms and then threatens to become more. He wants it. He wants John. But John thinks he knows what’s best for Rhys and sadly, it’s not John. Can he prove to him that life is too precious to waste a chance at love? Will John brush aside his trepidation about the number of their birthdays? I highly encourage you to find out.
What's to like: Sharp clean writing has become an assurance when I open a book from Jaybird press. This was no exception. I like everything about Jay’s writing. The musical chord that runs throughout this particular tale is delicate and delightful.The quiet town and the lovely secondary characters completed the package.
What's to love: Men who will warm your heart and sing to your soul. Both John and Rhys not only have a second chance at love but at life. When they harmonize together they hit the peak of the crescendo and you won’t want to miss it. I’m also obsessed with the amazing cover. Rhys is exactly as my mind’s eye imagined. Gorgeous inside and out.
Beware of: Genuine gutting grief that comes from losing a loved one. John’s pain is palpable and I promise you, you will feel it too. First times that will force your eyes shut from the beauty of the moment. Almost two decades separate the men, but as I said earlier this did not deter me in the slightest. They simply…fit.
This book is for: Music lovers will be in heaven. Angst lovers will be satisfied. Second chance chasers will be content. And of course, Northcote addicts such as myself will be pleased as punch. It hits all the high marks and left me vibrating with glee.
Book UNfunk
Imperfect Harmony is a beautiful example of this. Thank you Jay for continuing to grant me with reading experiences that open my eyes and heart wider than I ever thought was possible.
Okay, so where was I? Oh yeah. John and Rhys.
John has been blessed with all of the wonders that come with a long-term soul mate. As we know, giving your heart to another bears huge risks. If something tragic happens to this person, they take a piece of you with them. When David is taken from John he loses more than just his partner, he loses bits of himself. Grief strikes again when his mother passes away and John willingly lets sorrow consume him. John is an artist, a musician to be precise, but the songs of his soul all included David. He can’t face them. He is still mourning and feels like he is betraying his grief if he so much as hums a tune. Dust and darkness settle on all the happiness John once had. When his elderly neighbor (such a charming little lady) pressures him to accompany her to her choir group, a fresh ray of light brightens his world. John is startled and unsettled. The time for joy in his life is over and one person can’t have pure love twice in a lifetime, can they?
Rhys is vivid, happy and shines brightly. Despite the heartache his young heart has suffered, he is a ray of sunshine. He has also loved and lost but he has progressed further along on the healing train than John has. He returned home to focus on mending the shattered pieces of his heart. Leading the local choir relieved the sharpness of his anguish. Music runs in his blood and has defined him but he could turn his back on music as easily as he could choose to stop breathing. He may have detoured from his musical path but he’s content with his life at the moment. When a gloomy stranger slips into his choir group one evening, he is drawn to the man. He hungers for the smile that he believes lurks behind the shadows. He wants to alleviate his pain if possible. A fragile friendship blooms and then threatens to become more. He wants it. He wants John. But John thinks he knows what’s best for Rhys and sadly, it’s not John. Can he prove to him that life is too precious to waste a chance at love? Will John brush aside his trepidation about the number of their birthdays? I highly encourage you to find out.
What's to like: Sharp clean writing has become an assurance when I open a book from Jaybird press. This was no exception. I like everything about Jay’s writing. The musical chord that runs throughout this particular tale is delicate and delightful.The quiet town and the lovely secondary characters completed the package.
What's to love: Men who will warm your heart and sing to your soul. Both John and Rhys not only have a second chance at love but at life. When they harmonize together they hit the peak of the crescendo and you won’t want to miss it. I’m also obsessed with the amazing cover. Rhys is exactly as my mind’s eye imagined. Gorgeous inside and out.
Beware of: Genuine gutting grief that comes from losing a loved one. John’s pain is palpable and I promise you, you will feel it too. First times that will force your eyes shut from the beauty of the moment. Almost two decades separate the men, but as I said earlier this did not deter me in the slightest. They simply…fit.
This book is for: Music lovers will be in heaven. Angst lovers will be satisfied. Second chance chasers will be content. And of course, Northcote addicts such as myself will be pleased as punch. It hits all the high marks and left me vibrating with glee.
Book UNfunk
April 11, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
**A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW**
I love each and every book by Jay Northcote and have read them all. She’s just “my kind of author” and I can trust that I won’t be disappointed by the story.
I hope the day never arrives that I don’t like a book by her.
So far that hasn’t happened and Imperfect Harmony was another fantastic story. It’s my favourite even.
I loved this book! It’s been two years since John lost his partner, David, in a car accident. Since then he has completely withdrawn from the world. He stopped playing the violin and singing and basically stopped living. He’s just existing until one day Maggie, one of his only friends left, persuades John to stay at a choir practice where he meets young and seemingly vibrant Rhys.
I loved the way Jay wrote the developing relationship. There’s an attraction there right from the start, but because both guys are still grieving, they take it slow. They become friends first and get to know each other. I loved how you could see both of them slowly falling in love and opening up again to a new love. It felt so real and I really liked how John and Rhys didn’t leave David out. He was, after all, part of Johns past and therefore couldn’t be kept a secret.
I loved the openess between Rhys and John. The perfect example for that is the first time they become intimate. It doesn’t go the way they expect, but instead of closing off they talk about it. I really, really liked that. Jay could have made it into something more dramatic than it was, but instead she handled this scene so realistically and lifelike.
Imperfect Harmony is a bit different to what Jay Northcote usually writes. It deals with heavier themes and isn’t as “light” as her other books (except for Passing Through maybe). And yet this story never becomes too much. There’s still a lightness to it and always the feeling of hope that everything will be alright. It’s still a Jay Northcote original that has this unique britishness and sweetness to it without being overly dramatic or sappy at all.
For those of you, who follow her on twitter or are a member of her FB group, you’ll know that Jay Northcote leads a choir. Music is a really important part of this story and the reader can clearly feel the passion the author has for music herself.
Highly recommend it!
**A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW**
I love each and every book by Jay Northcote and have read them all. She’s just “my kind of author” and I can trust that I won’t be disappointed by the story.
I hope the day never arrives that I don’t like a book by her.
So far that hasn’t happened and Imperfect Harmony was another fantastic story. It’s my favourite even.
I loved this book! It’s been two years since John lost his partner, David, in a car accident. Since then he has completely withdrawn from the world. He stopped playing the violin and singing and basically stopped living. He’s just existing until one day Maggie, one of his only friends left, persuades John to stay at a choir practice where he meets young and seemingly vibrant Rhys.
I loved the way Jay wrote the developing relationship. There’s an attraction there right from the start, but because both guys are still grieving, they take it slow. They become friends first and get to know each other. I loved how you could see both of them slowly falling in love and opening up again to a new love. It felt so real and I really liked how John and Rhys didn’t leave David out. He was, after all, part of Johns past and therefore couldn’t be kept a secret.
I loved the openess between Rhys and John. The perfect example for that is the first time they become intimate. It doesn’t go the way they expect, but instead of closing off they talk about it. I really, really liked that. Jay could have made it into something more dramatic than it was, but instead she handled this scene so realistically and lifelike.
Imperfect Harmony is a bit different to what Jay Northcote usually writes. It deals with heavier themes and isn’t as “light” as her other books (except for Passing Through maybe). And yet this story never becomes too much. There’s still a lightness to it and always the feeling of hope that everything will be alright. It’s still a Jay Northcote original that has this unique britishness and sweetness to it without being overly dramatic or sappy at all.
For those of you, who follow her on twitter or are a member of her FB group, you’ll know that Jay Northcote leads a choir. Music is a really important part of this story and the reader can clearly feel the passion the author has for music herself.
Highly recommend it!
May 3, 2016
Imperfect Harmony
is a story of two men who are connected through music while trying to move on from loss of loved ones. John, forty-year-old former musician now a supply teacher and Rhys, twenty-three-year-old also former musician now a choir leader...
I start to think of Northcote's stories as nice and dependable, something I can read when I just want easy and familiar situation. This is the 6th Jay Northcote's book that I read ... and while it wasn't mind-blowing for me but I didn't dislike it either. Both John and Rhys were likable, and the main problem for both coming from the 19-years age gap between them, which of course followed the usual path of John worrying about it and Rhys trying to reassure his older lover that age doesn't matter when it comes to love.
However, I admit that I felt more detached with this story compared to the last Northcote's story I read (The Law of Attraction). I think the problem lies in me. I'm not a visual person, I always have difficult time imagining things visually if I only read text. And when it comes to music, I can enjoy them when I actually listen to them. Lyrics don't move me well -- I pay attention more to how I enjoy the music rather than the lyrics.
In this book, music plays a huge role for both men, but I couldn't picture the music in my head. Since I can't listen to the music, and only relies on the description, the lyrics offered here (like when Rhys writing that song, "Second Chances") didn't move me at all. It's just text for me. Maybe if there is an actual song that I can hear, it will work better. But since there's not, well, the impact is less effective for me.
I start to think of Northcote's stories as nice and dependable, something I can read when I just want easy and familiar situation. This is the 6th Jay Northcote's book that I read ... and while it wasn't mind-blowing for me but I didn't dislike it either. Both John and Rhys were likable, and the main problem for both coming from the 19-years age gap between them, which of course followed the usual path of John worrying about it and Rhys trying to reassure his older lover that age doesn't matter when it comes to love.
However, I admit that I felt more detached with this story compared to the last Northcote's story I read (The Law of Attraction). I think the problem lies in me. I'm not a visual person, I always have difficult time imagining things visually if I only read text. And when it comes to music, I can enjoy them when I actually listen to them. Lyrics don't move me well -- I pay attention more to how I enjoy the music rather than the lyrics.
In this book, music plays a huge role for both men, but I couldn't picture the music in my head. Since I can't listen to the music, and only relies on the description, the lyrics offered here (like when Rhys writing that song, "Second Chances") didn't move me at all. It's just text for me. Maybe if there is an actual song that I can hear, it will work better. But since there's not, well, the impact is less effective for me.
February 21, 2018
Audio Review: 4.2 Stars
And once again a great narration improves the experience and my enjoyment of the book. Mark Steadman did a wondeful job; the grief portrayed was palpable and I loved the sex scenes (funny and hot).
Original Rating: 4 Stars
A very emotional read* that tackles not one but two characters with partners who've died and how to move on from that. I really appreciated that there was a significant gap between the deaths and when they meet to give them both time to grieve and grow. And I liked that the MCs had quite a lot in common between their family situations, their past experiences & their involvement with music; I'm not sure it's statistically true but it seems more plausible that an age disparity such as theirs would be less of an obstacle provided there is more to build a relationship on than just extremely good, hot sex. Plus, John's fear that being almost twenty years older could mean that eventually his own passing would put Rhys through the pain that John suffered after losing David was heart-breaking to consider, but realistic as well.
*Like I've come to expect anything else from Jay Northcote!
And once again a great narration improves the experience and my enjoyment of the book. Mark Steadman did a wondeful job; the grief portrayed was palpable and I loved the sex scenes (funny and hot).
Original Rating: 4 Stars
A very emotional read* that tackles not one but two characters with partners who've died and how to move on from that. I really appreciated that there was a significant gap between the deaths and when they meet to give them both time to grieve and grow. And I liked that the MCs had quite a lot in common between their family situations, their past experiences & their involvement with music; I'm not sure it's statistically true but it seems more plausible that an age disparity such as theirs would be less of an obstacle provided there is more to build a relationship on than just extremely good, hot sex. Plus, John's fear that being almost twenty years older could mean that eventually his own passing would put Rhys through the pain that John suffered after losing David was heart-breaking to consider, but realistic as well.
*Like I've come to expect anything else from Jay Northcote!
July 19, 2017
4/5 - Ahem, I'm in love with a new Northcote character and his name is Jooohhhhhnnnn.
Seriously, though, John was something else. He'd been through so much in life and right when he was given happiness it was yanked out from under his nose. He pretty much went into power saving mode and walked through life like he was a robot. Eat, sleep, drink, excrete waste, be productive, don't think. He'd lost every bit of the passion he used to have and life was no longer about living. He was just surviving.
Rhys was absolutely adorable. He was bouncy and entirely too cheery for his own good. He was the kind of character that probably used to work at a coffee shop and when he opened the window to take your order you really just wanted to punch him because who the hell is that happy? He was the polar opposite of John in every way. He literally breathed to find the beauty and passion in life, but he also had his own skeletons to deal with and John understood that.
I loved the relationship between John and Rhys. There was a huge age gap there, and despite how much John liked to try using it as an excuse, Rhys was having none of it. He used every moment he had to remind John of what it was like to really live and through helping John learn to see the world in color again, Rhys was able to face his own past.
But I'll be honest, a lot of this book was hurt. It was hurt and the comfort didn't come until much later. John was miserable in his loneliness and he missed David so damn much. Jay does one hell of a job capturing what it's like to lose someone too early and it gave me a lot of feelings. But the ending is worth it. John's HEA is soooo worth every single word of this book. But pretty much every time hit play on this audiobook for the first 50% or so, I was feeling all the angst and pushing back the tears.
I liked the audio for this book, but I didn't love it. And I'm wondering if maybe I'd have liked it more if I'd just read the ebook. Usually Steadman does a really awesome job at narrating, but he didn't quite fit the way I imagined Rhys and that made it a little hard to listen to this book. That, however, is a personal hangup in the way I visualize Rhys. Everyone has their opinions, and Steadman did a fantastic job with the direction that he chose to go. I'd recommend this book, but don't listen to it on the bus or people might think you're being abused or something. I swear, all the old ladies were asking me if I was okay when I listened to this one.
Well done, Jay.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Seriously, though, John was something else. He'd been through so much in life and right when he was given happiness it was yanked out from under his nose. He pretty much went into power saving mode and walked through life like he was a robot. Eat, sleep, drink, excrete waste, be productive, don't think. He'd lost every bit of the passion he used to have and life was no longer about living. He was just surviving.
Rhys was absolutely adorable. He was bouncy and entirely too cheery for his own good. He was the kind of character that probably used to work at a coffee shop and when he opened the window to take your order you really just wanted to punch him because who the hell is that happy? He was the polar opposite of John in every way. He literally breathed to find the beauty and passion in life, but he also had his own skeletons to deal with and John understood that.
I loved the relationship between John and Rhys. There was a huge age gap there, and despite how much John liked to try using it as an excuse, Rhys was having none of it. He used every moment he had to remind John of what it was like to really live and through helping John learn to see the world in color again, Rhys was able to face his own past.
But I'll be honest, a lot of this book was hurt. It was hurt and the comfort didn't come until much later. John was miserable in his loneliness and he missed David so damn much. Jay does one hell of a job capturing what it's like to lose someone too early and it gave me a lot of feelings. But the ending is worth it. John's HEA is soooo worth every single word of this book. But pretty much every time hit play on this audiobook for the first 50% or so, I was feeling all the angst and pushing back the tears.
I liked the audio for this book, but I didn't love it. And I'm wondering if maybe I'd have liked it more if I'd just read the ebook. Usually Steadman does a really awesome job at narrating, but he didn't quite fit the way I imagined Rhys and that made it a little hard to listen to this book. That, however, is a personal hangup in the way I visualize Rhys. Everyone has their opinions, and Steadman did a fantastic job with the direction that he chose to go. I'd recommend this book, but don't listen to it on the bus or people might think you're being abused or something. I swear, all the old ladies were asking me if I was okay when I listened to this one.
Well done, Jay.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
April 17, 2024
Read for the April prompt - "No Place Like Home" - in the 2024 TBR Challenge
Jay Northcote’s Imperfect Harmony turned out to fit this month’s “No Place Like Home” prompt in several different ways. Not only has one of the lead characters recently returned to his former home town, but also, it’s set in the UK (my home), the two leads are musicians (so am I) and one of them is a music teacher (ditto), so the setting felt very familiar to me on many levels.
John Fletcher lost his partner of over two decades a couple of years before the story begins, and he’s still struggling to come to terms with it. He’s just going through the motions day to day, existing rather than living, and has deliberately shied away from something he dearly loves – making music - because it reminds him too much of David and happier times. Around a year later, his mother became ill and John moved back to the family home in the small Cotswold town of Lambury to care for her, which he did until her death months earlier, so to say the last couple of years have been difficult for him is an understatement.
His neighbour, Maggie, is recovering from a having a hip replacement, so John offers to drive her to her weekly choir practice. Along the way, she asks him if singing in a choir is something he’s ever done – she’s known him for years and knows he’s musical – but John makes clear it’s not something he’s keen on. They arrive at the venue and John sees Maggie safely inside – and is immediately captivated by the sound of a beautiful tenor voice singing a familiar song. Maggie tells him it’s the choirmaster, Rhys, whom John is surprised to discover is much younger than he’d imagined – maybe early twenties – and much more unconventional, with his electric blue hair, tattoos and an eyebrow piercing. Rhys welcomes them both with a charming smile and John is surprised to find himself experiencing the first flicker of interest he’s felt for another man in years. Rhys hopefully asks if John is staying to sing – there are never enough men in amateur choirs! - and John finds his initial resistance to the idea waning in the face of the other man’s obvious enthusiasm.
As the rehearsal progresses, John realises he’s glad to be there; he’s enjoying the music and the activity of singing for the first time in years. Rhys is clearly a very talented musician and the members of the choir obviously adore him; he’s confident, vibrant, graceful and full of life (all the things John is not) - and John is smitten. At the end of the evening, he comes away feeling lighter than he has in a very long time.
Rhys Callington moved back to Lambury about eighteen months earlier following the tragic death of his boyfriend, and works as a freelance musician – he runs the choir, a few music clubs in local schools and does some specialist instrumental and vocal coaching. He’s pleased when, at the end of the evening, John says he enjoyed the session, and he really hopes John will come back. There’s something about the quiet, older man that makes Rhys want to get to know him better.
Imperfect Harmony is a gentle, romantic story about two men who have suffered terrible losses helping each other to emerge from the limbo they’ve both been existing in and start to really live again. As they share long walks and meaningful conversations, John and Rhys come to realise that they have more in common than their shared love of music; Rhys is also griveing the loss of someone close to him and can’t help lingering feelings of guilt, even though he knows that what happened wasn’t his fault. Their strong emotional connection and mutual attraction are really well written and there’s no doubt these two are meant for each other. I also really liked the way the author shows John slowly overcoming his reluctance to playing his violin or the piano. Meeting Rhys is undoubtedly the catalyst for his decision to try, but I liked the parallel between John’s move towards playing again and his realisation that maybe he’s finally ready to move past David’s death and start living the rest of his life. It doesn’t happen all in one go of course – it’s a gradual process, but it’s nicely done.
The conflict in the story arises principally from John’s inability to see past their nineteen year age gap (John is forty-two, Rhys twenty-three) and his fears that he’s too old and staid for someone as young and vibrant as Rhys. It’s clear that most of John’s concerns are the result of a sudden onset of panic at the way his life is changing, and he’s going to have to find it within himself to take a chance on life – and on love.
Given the heaviness of the subject matter, this isn’t a melodramatic or overly angsty story, and unlike many of the books I’ve read about music and musicians, where it’s clear author doesn’t actually know how to write about music, that’s not the case here. Jay Northcote’s descriptions of Rhys teaching the choir their parts, of the excitement at hearing them fit together, of the rush of pleasure as John rediscovers the joy of making music, speak to someone who knows their stuff. Imperfect Harmony is very much a ‘vibes over plot’ story about healing, finding new love and moving on, and I really enjoyed it.
Jay Northcote’s Imperfect Harmony turned out to fit this month’s “No Place Like Home” prompt in several different ways. Not only has one of the lead characters recently returned to his former home town, but also, it’s set in the UK (my home), the two leads are musicians (so am I) and one of them is a music teacher (ditto), so the setting felt very familiar to me on many levels.
John Fletcher lost his partner of over two decades a couple of years before the story begins, and he’s still struggling to come to terms with it. He’s just going through the motions day to day, existing rather than living, and has deliberately shied away from something he dearly loves – making music - because it reminds him too much of David and happier times. Around a year later, his mother became ill and John moved back to the family home in the small Cotswold town of Lambury to care for her, which he did until her death months earlier, so to say the last couple of years have been difficult for him is an understatement.
His neighbour, Maggie, is recovering from a having a hip replacement, so John offers to drive her to her weekly choir practice. Along the way, she asks him if singing in a choir is something he’s ever done – she’s known him for years and knows he’s musical – but John makes clear it’s not something he’s keen on. They arrive at the venue and John sees Maggie safely inside – and is immediately captivated by the sound of a beautiful tenor voice singing a familiar song. Maggie tells him it’s the choirmaster, Rhys, whom John is surprised to discover is much younger than he’d imagined – maybe early twenties – and much more unconventional, with his electric blue hair, tattoos and an eyebrow piercing. Rhys welcomes them both with a charming smile and John is surprised to find himself experiencing the first flicker of interest he’s felt for another man in years. Rhys hopefully asks if John is staying to sing – there are never enough men in amateur choirs! - and John finds his initial resistance to the idea waning in the face of the other man’s obvious enthusiasm.
As the rehearsal progresses, John realises he’s glad to be there; he’s enjoying the music and the activity of singing for the first time in years. Rhys is clearly a very talented musician and the members of the choir obviously adore him; he’s confident, vibrant, graceful and full of life (all the things John is not) - and John is smitten. At the end of the evening, he comes away feeling lighter than he has in a very long time.
Rhys Callington moved back to Lambury about eighteen months earlier following the tragic death of his boyfriend, and works as a freelance musician – he runs the choir, a few music clubs in local schools and does some specialist instrumental and vocal coaching. He’s pleased when, at the end of the evening, John says he enjoyed the session, and he really hopes John will come back. There’s something about the quiet, older man that makes Rhys want to get to know him better.
Imperfect Harmony is a gentle, romantic story about two men who have suffered terrible losses helping each other to emerge from the limbo they’ve both been existing in and start to really live again. As they share long walks and meaningful conversations, John and Rhys come to realise that they have more in common than their shared love of music; Rhys is also griveing the loss of someone close to him and can’t help lingering feelings of guilt, even though he knows that what happened wasn’t his fault. Their strong emotional connection and mutual attraction are really well written and there’s no doubt these two are meant for each other. I also really liked the way the author shows John slowly overcoming his reluctance to playing his violin or the piano. Meeting Rhys is undoubtedly the catalyst for his decision to try, but I liked the parallel between John’s move towards playing again and his realisation that maybe he’s finally ready to move past David’s death and start living the rest of his life. It doesn’t happen all in one go of course – it’s a gradual process, but it’s nicely done.
The conflict in the story arises principally from John’s inability to see past their nineteen year age gap (John is forty-two, Rhys twenty-three) and his fears that he’s too old and staid for someone as young and vibrant as Rhys. It’s clear that most of John’s concerns are the result of a sudden onset of panic at the way his life is changing, and he’s going to have to find it within himself to take a chance on life – and on love.
Given the heaviness of the subject matter, this isn’t a melodramatic or overly angsty story, and unlike many of the books I’ve read about music and musicians, where it’s clear author doesn’t actually know how to write about music, that’s not the case here. Jay Northcote’s descriptions of Rhys teaching the choir their parts, of the excitement at hearing them fit together, of the rush of pleasure as John rediscovers the joy of making music, speak to someone who knows their stuff. Imperfect Harmony is very much a ‘vibes over plot’ story about healing, finding new love and moving on, and I really enjoyed it.
April 29, 2016
What I love about Jay Northcote's writing is that it's so easy, and I mean that in the best possible way.
It's easy to read and easy to get into and easy to become involved with the characters.
The writing flows easily and I feels
safe and comfortable with the characters, almost as if they are old friends.
I loved David and Rhys and I really enjoyed the dual PoV.
It was sweet and touching and lovely but there was also humour, and I chuckled out loud a couple of times.
Their first time together was lovely. Imperfect and frankly a bit of a mess, but completely realistic and wonderful to read.
It's a quiet romance.
There's no false drama, just two hurting men finding their peace together.
It's beautiful.
It's easy to read and easy to get into and easy to become involved with the characters.
The writing flows easily and I feels
safe and comfortable with the characters, almost as if they are old friends.
I loved David and Rhys and I really enjoyed the dual PoV.
It was sweet and touching and lovely but there was also humour, and I chuckled out loud a couple of times.
Their first time together was lovely. Imperfect and frankly a bit of a mess, but completely realistic and wonderful to read.
It's a quiet romance.
There's no false drama, just two hurting men finding their peace together.
It's beautiful.
April 18, 2016
A sweet and sexy romance about second chance
David and Rhys are different. One is 42 years old, the other one 23, one is quite shy, the other one quite vibrant. But they have 2 things in common : they are grieving the loss of their partners and they share a passion with music. When they meet, feelings they haven’t experienced for a long time start to grow. However, they have to let go of the memory of their past lovers and their difference in age.
Jay Northcote is a great author and the premises of the story are solid. Despite all this, I couldn’t get into the story and, although the steam was there and I enjoyed some of the banter, it felt too slow, too quiet and sometimes clinical for me. In summary, it was just an OK read for me.
David and Rhys are different. One is 42 years old, the other one 23, one is quite shy, the other one quite vibrant. But they have 2 things in common : they are grieving the loss of their partners and they share a passion with music. When they meet, feelings they haven’t experienced for a long time start to grow. However, they have to let go of the memory of their past lovers and their difference in age.
Jay Northcote is a great author and the premises of the story are solid. Despite all this, I couldn’t get into the story and, although the steam was there and I enjoyed some of the banter, it felt too slow, too quiet and sometimes clinical for me. In summary, it was just an OK read for me.
May 31, 2016
Reading with friends!!!!
September 8, 2016
You have to hold your horse while reading this story. It will grow on you.
Initially, I was making faces at my choice....but then the emotional ride was worth it.
Initially, I was making faces at my choice....but then the emotional ride was worth it.
May 18, 2016
I love when authors surprise me. I’ve always enjoyed Jay Northcote’s work. Whenever I feel down, or overwhelmed with work and life I turn to her books and I find myself feeling better, almost instantly. She writes books that are sweet and fun to read. Her characters are, most of the times, a lovely experience to read. John and Rhys from Imperfect Harmony were not the exception.
I must confess that I was a bit worried about this book. At first sight it had a lot of elements that I normally either don’t like in books or that I’m wary of: an almost twenty year-old age gap, loss, grief and the pain that comes with it. It had two musicians, which I LOVE in my books, but at the same time I get super picky with them because… Really, I LOVE music, and I love what it does for people. I love the magic that music brings to the table when it comes to bring people together and creating bonds… So, every time I know there’ll be bonding over music, or that the two MCs are musicians, I go on this ritual where I beg to the lord that the book will live up to my expectations.
This one did. And I think that one of the most amazing things about this particular book is that, not only do the MCs connect with each other through music, but they reconnect with themselves as well. They find themselves again after having been lost for a long time.
John is 42, and Rhys is 23. They met when John’s friend Maggie asked him to take her to her choir practice. John was impressed with Rhys – not only was the guy extremely talented and could direct the choir in an incredible way, but he also had a beautiful voice, and he was beautiful. Rhys was equally taken with John, for the same reasons that John was with him, but also because there was an air of sadness to him that called Rhys – A sadness, a grief, that was like a mirror of himself. He saw himself in John in that moment.
Both of them had lost someone very important to them in the past. The music played a great part into their bonding, but the fact that they both knew that grief, with all that came with it, played a part, too.
This is mostly a very sweet story. It’s sexy, and even with its sad moments, with its angsty moments, it’s pretty tolerable in the angst department. I was amazed that Northcote managed to write about something so sad, and so painful, but make it bareable, tolerable for the reader. It didn’t take away the emotion, no. You could feel every bit of what the characters were feeling, but I think the way she handled it, makes it easier for the reader to handle as well. There was a weird beauty to it, a beautiful understanding between the characters.
Their age gap also plays a part in this, and I thought it was managed well. Adding that to the grief and the loss that they both had gone through it was spot on the way they felt about it and how they saw the same situation in such a different way.
I really liked this. I loved John, but I think that I loved Rhys even more. I felt like in the beginning what they had was more like a friendship than an actual romantic thing for each other, but at some point in the book the love they had for each other was easy to see. The admiration and the awe that they felt for one another became stronger as the pages went by. The awkwardness in their first time felt real, too. It was good to read about something like that. I also liked that both MCs were honest with each other about how they felt and how didn’t they feel, too. It saved a lot of what could have been “unnecessary angst”. There were a couple of things I would have liked to see that weren’t in the book, but overall I liked the book as it is.
Lovely read, really lovely.
I must confess that I was a bit worried about this book. At first sight it had a lot of elements that I normally either don’t like in books or that I’m wary of: an almost twenty year-old age gap, loss, grief and the pain that comes with it. It had two musicians, which I LOVE in my books, but at the same time I get super picky with them because… Really, I LOVE music, and I love what it does for people. I love the magic that music brings to the table when it comes to bring people together and creating bonds… So, every time I know there’ll be bonding over music, or that the two MCs are musicians, I go on this ritual where I beg to the lord that the book will live up to my expectations.
This one did. And I think that one of the most amazing things about this particular book is that, not only do the MCs connect with each other through music, but they reconnect with themselves as well. They find themselves again after having been lost for a long time.
John is 42, and Rhys is 23. They met when John’s friend Maggie asked him to take her to her choir practice. John was impressed with Rhys – not only was the guy extremely talented and could direct the choir in an incredible way, but he also had a beautiful voice, and he was beautiful. Rhys was equally taken with John, for the same reasons that John was with him, but also because there was an air of sadness to him that called Rhys – A sadness, a grief, that was like a mirror of himself. He saw himself in John in that moment.
Both of them had lost someone very important to them in the past. The music played a great part into their bonding, but the fact that they both knew that grief, with all that came with it, played a part, too.
This is mostly a very sweet story. It’s sexy, and even with its sad moments, with its angsty moments, it’s pretty tolerable in the angst department. I was amazed that Northcote managed to write about something so sad, and so painful, but make it bareable, tolerable for the reader. It didn’t take away the emotion, no. You could feel every bit of what the characters were feeling, but I think the way she handled it, makes it easier for the reader to handle as well. There was a weird beauty to it, a beautiful understanding between the characters.
Their age gap also plays a part in this, and I thought it was managed well. Adding that to the grief and the loss that they both had gone through it was spot on the way they felt about it and how they saw the same situation in such a different way.
I really liked this. I loved John, but I think that I loved Rhys even more. I felt like in the beginning what they had was more like a friendship than an actual romantic thing for each other, but at some point in the book the love they had for each other was easy to see. The admiration and the awe that they felt for one another became stronger as the pages went by. The awkwardness in their first time felt real, too. It was good to read about something like that. I also liked that both MCs were honest with each other about how they felt and how didn’t they feel, too. It saved a lot of what could have been “unnecessary angst”. There were a couple of things I would have liked to see that weren’t in the book, but overall I liked the book as it is.
Lovely read, really lovely.
February 27, 2017
I just loved this. Tender and sweet and real. Average characters leading extraordinary lives, though they may not think so. I do.
Creating music and giving it to others, for nothing more than a smile of happiness. It's hard work and means everything to pass it along freely. Teaching kids music takes the patience of Job. Leading a church choir, unpaid volunteers, takes a lot of work and commitment. It's so fulfilling when you get it right.
Finding love through a shared love of music, magical. Overcoming grief, learning to adapt and ultimately grow, right on target.
Yep, I loved it. Oh, one more thing. It's says a lot about people, their cultures and countries, in how they treat their seniors. Commendable here. We should all hope to be so lucky to have such kindness bestowed just because. Nice work Jay in your portrayal of the elderly.
Highly recommended.
Creating music and giving it to others, for nothing more than a smile of happiness. It's hard work and means everything to pass it along freely. Teaching kids music takes the patience of Job. Leading a church choir, unpaid volunteers, takes a lot of work and commitment. It's so fulfilling when you get it right.
Finding love through a shared love of music, magical. Overcoming grief, learning to adapt and ultimately grow, right on target.
Yep, I loved it. Oh, one more thing. It's says a lot about people, their cultures and countries, in how they treat their seniors. Commendable here. We should all hope to be so lucky to have such kindness bestowed just because. Nice work Jay in your portrayal of the elderly.
Highly recommended.
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