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Stereo Hearts #2
Encore
Aria was just shy of eighteen when her best friend, Yoshi, set fire to their foster home and begged her to run away with him—promising he’d become a superstar and take care of her forever. Five years later, Yoshi is head drummer for the biggest rock band in the world, The White Keys, and can have any woman he wants. Any woman but Aria. Aria knows better than to put her friendship with Yoshi at risk over something as stupid as sex. Even if the unexplainable attraction growing between them proved harder to fight each day, she refused to give in. But when Yoshi receives the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to launch a solo career, it not only threatens the sparks flying between them, but their lifelong friendship as well. Unable to be away from her, Yoshi offers Aria a job on his first world tour. There’s just one his P.R. girlfriend, Carmen. Carmen was just there for appearances, a bombshell to hang from Yoshi's arm during award shows and press junkets. But soon, Carmen begins to believe their fake relationship is real, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep him. First things first, destroy Aria. Can Yoshi and Aria’s budding relationship withstand Carmen and her manipulative ways? Or will the price of fame prove too steep, tearing apart two foster kids who promised to keep each other forever? ENCORE is a standalone interracial novel. It is book two in The Stereo Hearts series. BOOK 1: Stereo BOOK 2: Encore
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2016
81 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Trevion Burns
29 books287 followersI'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 11, 2016
This series should be called "Men Who Don't Deserve Black Women".
HOO BOY there were so many elements to this book that were extremely WTF to me, here are a few:
1. Cartoonish villian is cartoonish
2. Mouthpiece characters validating the delusions of stans: "It never ceases to amaze me how observant these kids are. They are so on the money." OH HONEY, NO.
3. Yoshi was implied East Asian in the last book but is now Zayn Malik in body and hair color
4. Manager reminded me of a Miami Vice character
5. Dude keeps black girlfriend on the DL for his career but when she's had enough it's like, "You know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you."
Naw, dude. NAW.
HOO BOY there were so many elements to this book that were extremely WTF to me, here are a few:
1. Cartoonish villian is cartoonish
2. Mouthpiece characters validating the delusions of stans: "It never ceases to amaze me how observant these kids are. They are so on the money." OH HONEY, NO.
3. Yoshi was implied East Asian in the last book but is now Zayn Malik in body and hair color
4. Manager reminded me of a Miami Vice character
5. Dude keeps black girlfriend on the DL for his career but when she's had enough it's like, "You know it's true. Everything I do, I do it for you."
Naw, dude. NAW.
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July 1, 2016
APB Perspective Review:
I loved this book , I could not put it down I stayed last night to read it because it was just that good. To me this is the authors best work . I cried for both Yoshi and Aria .The each went through something so painful that it ouches your heart. I also rooted for them , I love friends to lovers romance books , I read some good ones this year, and I count this as one of them . One of the books you recommend to your friends because the characters stay with you. Yoshi and Aria will do that. How can you not love people, who love each other no matter what, love them when their imperfections are clearly on display for the world to see,but your true friend and lover find beauty in it. Yoshi felt that way for Aria. But when his dreams come true , will he miss out on his one true love and friend,to achieve the fame and fortune he wanted in the first place, because he wanted a better life for them ?
I loved this book , I could not put it down I stayed last night to read it because it was just that good. To me this is the authors best work . I cried for both Yoshi and Aria .The each went through something so painful that it ouches your heart. I also rooted for them , I love friends to lovers romance books , I read some good ones this year, and I count this as one of them . One of the books you recommend to your friends because the characters stay with you. Yoshi and Aria will do that. How can you not love people, who love each other no matter what, love them when their imperfections are clearly on display for the world to see,but your true friend and lover find beauty in it. Yoshi felt that way for Aria. But when his dreams come true , will he miss out on his one true love and friend,to achieve the fame and fortune he wanted in the first place, because he wanted a better life for them ?
August 5, 2018
2.50 Stars. Fulfills the old adage , "The ends justify the means." Yoshi's and Aria's friends to lovers goes from unique to bazar. Yoshi is tall, lean and muscular and of East Asian descent until he isn't...he is of non-discernible ethnicity. Asia is a small dark-skinned Black American girl with long puffy-hair. Aria and Yoshi were fostered in the same household and became best friends in grade school, Yoshi had been abandoned by his parents; but Aria never new her parents. They knew they were in love at age fourteen, when Yoshi attacked their foster father for hitting and damaging Aria's eye. Four years later, just prior to their high school graduation and 18th birthdays, Yoshi convinced Aria to run away with him with a promise to become rich and famous and to always take care of her. He set the foster home a blaze and they left. Within 5 years, they were part of a prosperous band; but during this time, they would come close to kissing; but they never acted on their romantic feeling. After Yoshi convinces Aria to leave the band and go with him while he makes it big; they finally consummate their romantic feelings and began a relationship. His contract requiring a pretend girlfriend with a person he's seen having sex with 2 different then parade around a business complex nude and finally masturbating in front of strangers, is bazar and a lot to ask a reader to buy into... it all became too much and totally unbelievable. Aria's self-consciousness and insecurity about her eye is over done; as is Yoshi going from a sober, strong willed, focused dependable young man to an whimpering druggie. Uncharacteristic. They got a happy ending. Good. I liked them as a couple; could have done without the whorish Carmen drama and Yoshi sudden unexpected need to garner his absent father's approval. KUB # 34.
July 7, 2016
This book in the series was actually better than the first book. I hope to see a part 2 with just Yoshi and Aria.
March 24, 2017
Ms. Burns has done it again, writing these characters that have such explosive chemistry it made me feel like I'm standing on the edge of a volcano.
Aria and Yoshi, orphans with a long and heavily emotionally complex past and connection, I don't want to say star-crossed lovers, but their bond, it really did leap off the pages. Yoshi wasn't perfect and neither was Aria as they both had their own insecurities. Yoshi had a meteoric rise to stardom as a singer/songwriter/musician, and Aria was his ride or die, backup singer who wanted Yoshi to accomplish his dreams, though she didn't really stop to think of any of her own. Their relationship rose as quickly as Yoshi's fame which of course led to a lot of complications, arguments, second-guessing, and trust being broken.
I had my issues with Yoshi. The way he left Adam and The White Keys hanging with no warning was effed up, and how he pretty much agreed to keep Aria in the background, never ever acknowledging she was his girlfriend because of "appearances". Like wow dude, what a way to sell out your girl because you want to be a star that badly. It makes my teeth grind that fictional men like Simon, his agent or whoever, was the mirror of real men who think loving a black woman will kill someone's success and trajectory. See black women as not good enough, a hindrance. Enter Carmen who I hated with a passion.
For someone who claimed to be a professional she certainly bought into the manufactured delusion that Yoshi was her permanent meal ticket. But my heart did pound with anxiety when she was alone with Yoshi and definitely when she violated his privacy in order to keep Yoshi and Aria separated. But karma took care of her in the end which I lol'd about and I'm still snickering.
I don't know everything about the music business, and I know Carmen was added for conflict and angst, but I didn't see how roping Yoshi into a fake relationship with Carmen would help with his music sales. I don't buy music based on who a person is dating, and I'd think a record label would want to sell the idea their artist(s) is single. That's just my one nitpick. Maybe it is something that's done, I don't know maybe more so with professional sports because it seems once athletes sign their contracts they get a white or non-black WOC on their arms as a bonus. But I digress.
Another thing I would have liked to read was how Aria regained her strength. It was told and not shown and the pieces we were given were brief and related to Yoshi. This book was more about Yoshi than Aria, not necessarily bad but there could have been a bit more balance in giving us more about Aria's past etc.
I enjoyed this book, the writing really drew me in, kept my interest though I did skim a few pages because I was too impatient and wanted to get to the end. Other than that, it was awesome.
Aria and Yoshi, orphans with a long and heavily emotionally complex past and connection, I don't want to say star-crossed lovers, but their bond, it really did leap off the pages. Yoshi wasn't perfect and neither was Aria as they both had their own insecurities. Yoshi had a meteoric rise to stardom as a singer/songwriter/musician, and Aria was his ride or die, backup singer who wanted Yoshi to accomplish his dreams, though she didn't really stop to think of any of her own. Their relationship rose as quickly as Yoshi's fame which of course led to a lot of complications, arguments, second-guessing, and trust being broken.
I had my issues with Yoshi. The way he left Adam and The White Keys hanging with no warning was effed up, and how he pretty much agreed to keep Aria in the background, never ever acknowledging she was his girlfriend because of "appearances". Like wow dude, what a way to sell out your girl because you want to be a star that badly. It makes my teeth grind that fictional men like Simon, his agent or whoever, was the mirror of real men who think loving a black woman will kill someone's success and trajectory. See black women as not good enough, a hindrance. Enter Carmen who I hated with a passion.
For someone who claimed to be a professional she certainly bought into the manufactured delusion that Yoshi was her permanent meal ticket. But my heart did pound with anxiety when she was alone with Yoshi and definitely when she violated his privacy in order to keep Yoshi and Aria separated. But karma took care of her in the end which I lol'd about and I'm still snickering.
I don't know everything about the music business, and I know Carmen was added for conflict and angst, but I didn't see how roping Yoshi into a fake relationship with Carmen would help with his music sales. I don't buy music based on who a person is dating, and I'd think a record label would want to sell the idea their artist(s) is single. That's just my one nitpick. Maybe it is something that's done, I don't know maybe more so with professional sports because it seems once athletes sign their contracts they get a white or non-black WOC on their arms as a bonus. But I digress.
Another thing I would have liked to read was how Aria regained her strength. It was told and not shown and the pieces we were given were brief and related to Yoshi. This book was more about Yoshi than Aria, not necessarily bad but there could have been a bit more balance in giving us more about Aria's past etc.
I enjoyed this book, the writing really drew me in, kept my interest though I did skim a few pages because I was too impatient and wanted to get to the end. Other than that, it was awesome.
August 1, 2020
Loved this!!!
This story had me in my feelings! It was a train wreck you could see coming and couldn't do anything about. Aria and Yoshi's story was deep and their relationship was so connected, which was why the pain was so hard. I cringed and worried and anticipated the next unfolding. I have always enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and this one did not disappoint in the least. Today's love, desperate and deep for Aria was beautiful to me. Asia's was quiet, but strong unshakable and enduring. Great story IMHO. I would have wanted one more love scene but I can't fault the wrap. Although this is book 2 in the series, it stands successfully alone and is not hampered by not knowing the history of book one.
This story had me in my feelings! It was a train wreck you could see coming and couldn't do anything about. Aria and Yoshi's story was deep and their relationship was so connected, which was why the pain was so hard. I cringed and worried and anticipated the next unfolding. I have always enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and this one did not disappoint in the least. Today's love, desperate and deep for Aria was beautiful to me. Asia's was quiet, but strong unshakable and enduring. Great story IMHO. I would have wanted one more love scene but I can't fault the wrap. Although this is book 2 in the series, it stands successfully alone and is not hampered by not knowing the history of book one.
January 28, 2018
This author is so good.
Some people binge watch, I binge read because I can't get enough of Miss Burns books. This is the second book of hers that I have read and I loved it! The characters were flawed but endearing and I found myself routing for them. Definitely going to be an automatic download author.
Some people binge watch, I binge read because I can't get enough of Miss Burns books. This is the second book of hers that I have read and I loved it! The characters were flawed but endearing and I found myself routing for them. Definitely going to be an automatic download author.
September 10, 2018
I love to read when relationships endure even through hard times. I guess that’s why I love the IR genre. It involves a love that you have to fight for, love that is unchanged, and filled with passion. Aria’s and Yoshi’s love was no different. It angered me all the things Carmen did behind the scenes. I still don’t think she got what she deserved in the end. Overall, a good read.
February 18, 2023
I like how Trevion Burns brings up the social commentary of colorism in entertainment industry. Trevion doesn't shy away from the necessary topics about colorism and racism in entertainment and real world as well.
The cover should have multiracial guy with olive skin, but it appears that the model on the cover is white?
The writing has greatly improved from the previous books.
The cover should have multiracial guy with olive skin, but it appears that the model on the cover is white?
The writing has greatly improved from the previous books.
January 19, 2018
Another winner
Yoshi and Aria's love story was divine. I read the other Stereo Hearts books out of order but it did not diminish the impact of this tale. Highly recommend!
Yoshi and Aria's love story was divine. I read the other Stereo Hearts books out of order but it did not diminish the impact of this tale. Highly recommend!
March 17, 2020
Such a unique story
This story takes you right back to the rags to riches musical. Beautiful! It is always refreshing to have a leading lady with a fro.
This story takes you right back to the rags to riches musical. Beautiful! It is always refreshing to have a leading lady with a fro.
August 23, 2025
My summary
Stereo Hearts
I have read a healthy helping of books by Trevion Burns. Including her first,Stereo (book one in the stereo hearts series). I have to say, it's rare to me that a subsequent book in a series lives up to the first. Rarer still to have one that surpasses the first. Encore, exceeds Stereo in almost every way. In fact, out of all of Trevion's Books, the good, the okay, and the not-so-okay, Stereo was my favorite. No more, I say, NO MORE! Encore is it! It's my Bo.
Encore
Encore is so good. I mean, either I'm a poor judge of IR Romance, or this shit is damn good! Now, you know that I will not oversell a book. Encore is not flawless (I think the book could and would have ended pitch perfect without the syrupy epilogue, and the antagonist was too cliche, simplistic and over-the-top). But it hits all the right notes (pun intended). You can visualize the characters, you believe in them, you fall in love, and you fall out of love and back into love again. You cheer for them! You want them to win! You want to see this through. You won't put the book down for a second. Not if you can help it. It had me tossing imaginary roses at its feet. Take a bow, Ms. Burns, take a bow.
Is it worth the buy?
You can read this on Kindle Unlimited, but I say, forget that noise. Buy it to own. You won't regret it. On another note, it's always nice to see an author's growth. How many of us can say, we new that author day 1? Like Yoshi and Aria, day one feels damn good. So damn good. And yes, I could write a review as long as this novel. But I'd rather temper my thoughts and let you read it. Judge for yourself. IR romance book lovers, this one's a keeper.
My rating: An heartfelt keeper 4.9
Yoshi and Aria two orphans abandoned by those who were supposed to love and protect them the most, find each other and form a life-long bond in the most disparate of circumstances. With a dream of making it in the music business, Yoshi vows to take Aria with him on his determined mission, no matter the cost . But just when their dreams seem within reach, the life-long promise they made to each other is tested in the most heart rendering ways. This is what happens when love and dreams collide.
Stereo Hearts
I have read a healthy helping of books by Trevion Burns. Including her first,Stereo (book one in the stereo hearts series). I have to say, it's rare to me that a subsequent book in a series lives up to the first. Rarer still to have one that surpasses the first. Encore, exceeds Stereo in almost every way. In fact, out of all of Trevion's Books, the good, the okay, and the not-so-okay, Stereo was my favorite. No more, I say, NO MORE! Encore is it! It's my Bo.
Encore
Encore is so good. I mean, either I'm a poor judge of IR Romance, or this shit is damn good! Now, you know that I will not oversell a book. Encore is not flawless (I think the book could and would have ended pitch perfect without the syrupy epilogue, and the antagonist was too cliche, simplistic and over-the-top). But it hits all the right notes (pun intended). You can visualize the characters, you believe in them, you fall in love, and you fall out of love and back into love again. You cheer for them! You want them to win! You want to see this through. You won't put the book down for a second. Not if you can help it. It had me tossing imaginary roses at its feet. Take a bow, Ms. Burns, take a bow.
Is it worth the buy?
You can read this on Kindle Unlimited, but I say, forget that noise. Buy it to own. You won't regret it. On another note, it's always nice to see an author's growth. How many of us can say, we new that author day 1? Like Yoshi and Aria, day one feels damn good. So damn good. And yes, I could write a review as long as this novel. But I'd rather temper my thoughts and let you read it. Judge for yourself. IR romance book lovers, this one's a keeper.
My rating: An heartfelt keeper 4.9
July 8, 2016
The book was good but not as good as "Stereo" the first book in this series. The sexual tension and chemistry, though much proclaimed by the characters, wasn't convincing. Even though the hero, Yoshi, and the heroine, Aria, grew up together in foster care; loved each other since their early teens, and survived abuse I still couldn't bring myself to care about them as a couple for some reason.
Yoshi's story of abandonment, and his need for fame to earn the love and respect of his absent father that drove him to abandon his own family (his friends in the band he was in, and Aria) made for a good read. Aria's story was less compelling or just less well written. She never knew her parents, and had an eye injury at the hands of an adult while in foster care that left her wearing an eye patch. Her personal challenges were her insecurity about her appearance, and pleasing people. The later caused her to follow Yoshi around like a puppy.
There is the expected happy ending all around but even that seemed flat and I was just happy that the book ended.
Yoshi's story of abandonment, and his need for fame to earn the love and respect of his absent father that drove him to abandon his own family (his friends in the band he was in, and Aria) made for a good read. Aria's story was less compelling or just less well written. She never knew her parents, and had an eye injury at the hands of an adult while in foster care that left her wearing an eye patch. Her personal challenges were her insecurity about her appearance, and pleasing people. The later caused her to follow Yoshi around like a puppy.
There is the expected happy ending all around but even that seemed flat and I was just happy that the book ended.
September 10, 2016
Yoshi and Aria rock!
I'm in love with the relationship these two have. The way Yoshi wanted to take care of Aria was beautiful. A little more detail on how Yoshi was able to get out of his contract would have been good. Well written!
I'm in love with the relationship these two have. The way Yoshi wanted to take care of Aria was beautiful. A little more detail on how Yoshi was able to get out of his contract would have been good. Well written!
July 8, 2016
Entertaining
This is the second book in the series and it's Yoshi and Aria's story. First let me say this was an enchanting but emotional read. This is a couple you can't help but fall in love with.
Yoshi and Aria grew up in the same foster home and forged a friendship from they were kids. Both were super talented and had dreams and aspirations and a vow that they would always look out for each other.
Their relationship continued into adulthood when it changed into something more, complete with all the turmoil that one encounters. I love how engaging the story was, I literally hated Carmen in the story. Thankfully everything worked out in the end. I would highly recommend this series so far.
This is the second book in the series and it's Yoshi and Aria's story. First let me say this was an enchanting but emotional read. This is a couple you can't help but fall in love with.
Yoshi and Aria grew up in the same foster home and forged a friendship from they were kids. Both were super talented and had dreams and aspirations and a vow that they would always look out for each other.
Their relationship continued into adulthood when it changed into something more, complete with all the turmoil that one encounters. I love how engaging the story was, I literally hated Carmen in the story. Thankfully everything worked out in the end. I would highly recommend this series so far.
July 3, 2016
Hearts on Fire!
Yoshi and Aria's story is poignant and enduring...the bonds they shared in foster care became stronger and flowed seamlessly through until stardom hits...Yoshi is so infatuated with fame...he forgets his fortunes...Aria is so in love with Yoshi...she neglects her own fortunes...between sleazy record executives....even sleazier cling-ons....he experiences momentary lapse in judgment as to what's really important....true love, true friends...or fame...
Yoshi and Aria's story is poignant and enduring...the bonds they shared in foster care became stronger and flowed seamlessly through until stardom hits...Yoshi is so infatuated with fame...he forgets his fortunes...Aria is so in love with Yoshi...she neglects her own fortunes...between sleazy record executives....even sleazier cling-ons....he experiences momentary lapse in judgment as to what's really important....true love, true friends...or fame...
September 23, 2016
Just ok
This is the story of Aria and Yoshi, both orphaned at a early age depending on each other and loving each...Yoshi has big dreams of being a huge star and promises Aria that he would take care of her. The character of Aria is so insecure and spends nearly the whole book crying as Yoshi grows. I was so sick of her I could wait for this book to be over. The ending was so happy ever after that it seemed fake.
This is the story of Aria and Yoshi, both orphaned at a early age depending on each other and loving each...Yoshi has big dreams of being a huge star and promises Aria that he would take care of her. The character of Aria is so insecure and spends nearly the whole book crying as Yoshi grows. I was so sick of her I could wait for this book to be over. The ending was so happy ever after that it seemed fake.
February 10, 2018
Not just a fan
I'm not just a fan of the White Keys but I absolutely lovvvveeeee Gosh I and Aria. This was a tale of what true love look like. An epic love story in all of its glory. You have loss, promises made, promises broken, games that people play on one another, karma, drama, comedy..did I say true love. Just read the darn book and you will see.
I'm not just a fan of the White Keys but I absolutely lovvvveeeee Gosh I and Aria. This was a tale of what true love look like. An epic love story in all of its glory. You have loss, promises made, promises broken, games that people play on one another, karma, drama, comedy..did I say true love. Just read the darn book and you will see.
August 11, 2016
Okay, after I stopped screaming long enough to type this out let me tell you how thrilled I am. This tumultuous love story had me sucked in like all of Trevion's reads. I loved the unique sweetness about Aria and Yoshi's relationship. Their little tender moments just melted my heart every time. Definitely worth staying up all night to read.
January 3, 2017
Aria and Yoshi are orphans who had no one in the world but each other. They were each other's soul mates from a very young age. As they grew older many try to come between them but at the end of the day no one could permanently brake their bond. I fell in love with them both even though I really wanted to kick Yoshi a few times. Loved their story!!!
July 5, 2016
Music and love
A story that I found heartbreaking at times because of tricks, lies, and deceit from the management team and Carmen. I wanted to slap Carmen and Yoshi for falling for all of it. The couple had to endure a lot to get to their happy ending
A story that I found heartbreaking at times because of tricks, lies, and deceit from the management team and Carmen. I wanted to slap Carmen and Yoshi for falling for all of it. The couple had to endure a lot to get to their happy ending
July 19, 2016
Where was Aria in the first book if she and Yoshi were so close? I also wasn't sure if I could deal with how Aria put herself in this man's shadow. I was glad to see her step out on her own and make a name for herself. Overall, it was an interesting story and I was pulling for Yaria.
September 4, 2016
Emotional rollercoaster
Great book. Lots of emotion and realness. Loved Yoshi and Aria together. They were definitely meant to be. Again great book. Great job, Trevion Burns. I'm definitely pleased I purchased and read this one.
Great book. Lots of emotion and realness. Loved Yoshi and Aria together. They were definitely meant to be. Again great book. Great job, Trevion Burns. I'm definitely pleased I purchased and read this one.
September 20, 2016
A great romance.
I'm always a sucker for a good story and this was one. I love how this author write. I love Aria and Yoshi story. I especially loved the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I'm always a sucker for a good story and this was one. I love how this author write. I love Aria and Yoshi story. I especially loved the ending. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
June 17, 2016
4.5 stars
June 29, 2016
Not bad
Not a bad encore (lol) to stereo. It was a bit slow at times and less love scences but worth the read.
Not a bad encore (lol) to stereo. It was a bit slow at times and less love scences but worth the read.
July 1, 2016
Wow. Just wow!
This book was a total roller coaster. But what a ride. It's sooooo good you have to give it a try. Great writing. Great storyline. Just a wow book!
This book was a total roller coaster. But what a ride. It's sooooo good you have to give it a try. Great writing. Great storyline. Just a wow book!
July 2, 2016
Oh my
Yes I she was able to come up with an encore. This story is great. Just like the first one it made laugh and cry and celebrate. Good job.
Yes I she was able to come up with an encore. This story is great. Just like the first one it made laugh and cry and celebrate. Good job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews