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Reverie #2
Rhapsody
Top cellist Julia James has begun a whole new life- happily married and expecting her first child. She is finally poised to have the life she's always dreamed of and she is finally able to put the past behind her.
Unfortunately, the past isn't quite done with Julia yet.
Riding high on his gold medal win at the Kreisler International Music Competition, Jeremy Corrigan is stunned to find his reputation in tatters, along with his plans for fame and fortune. But Jeremy isn't one to tolerate failure.
Once he has determined that Julia and her husband are to blame for his troubles, there's nothing he won't do to regain control over his fate... and theirs.
Love, redemption and betrayal collide in the dark romance, RHAPSODY.
Unfortunately, the past isn't quite done with Julia yet.
Riding high on his gold medal win at the Kreisler International Music Competition, Jeremy Corrigan is stunned to find his reputation in tatters, along with his plans for fame and fortune. But Jeremy isn't one to tolerate failure.
Once he has determined that Julia and her husband are to blame for his troubles, there's nothing he won't do to regain control over his fate... and theirs.
Love, redemption and betrayal collide in the dark romance, RHAPSODY.
369 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
About the author
Lauren E. Rico
14 books558 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name L.E. Rico.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 6, 2016
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
I am trying to make this as spoiler free as possible, but if you haven't read Reverie I can't guarentee it doesn't give you any spoilers on that one.
Rhapsody follows up on the happening of Reverie, where we only had Julias and Jeremys perspective, Rhapsody offers us the perspectives of some more characters.
We are getting insight into Matthews and Bretts thoughts, as well as Maggies, which is new to the storyline.
Rhapsody is in my opinion different from Reverie when it comes to the darkness, but also very similar. Lauren Rico manages it so well to describe the suffering of the people around Jeremy. How hard it is to not play along with the rules of this Sociopath.
It is amazing to see how the relationships between the characters change and grow and how each individual character evolves.
And of course we are getting insight into Jeremys thoughts as well and of course I got creeped out again, but this time there were also moments when I had to smile and cheer on some other characters that met him.
What I missed a bit in this book was the effect of the classical music. It was still there and everytime it was there the descriptions where as well and as thoughtful as in the first book, but there wasn't nearly as much of it as in Reverie. How the music made the atmosphere darker and darker in Reverie I felt in Rhapsody it was more of a companion for the characters.
I definetly could have had more of it as it was such a great description of the characters feelings, but that is really the only thing I can criticize.
Rhapsody is different yes, especially when it comes to darkness and action, but it is as amazingly written as Reverie.
I definetly see this closer to 5 stars then 4 so maybe 4,75 stars or even 5 stars for me.
Thank you again to Lauren for providing me a copy of her book, I am much looking forward to the third part.
A more in depth review will be up on my blog throughout the week.
I am trying to make this as spoiler free as possible, but if you haven't read Reverie I can't guarentee it doesn't give you any spoilers on that one.
Rhapsody follows up on the happening of Reverie, where we only had Julias and Jeremys perspective, Rhapsody offers us the perspectives of some more characters.
We are getting insight into Matthews and Bretts thoughts, as well as Maggies, which is new to the storyline.
Rhapsody is in my opinion different from Reverie when it comes to the darkness, but also very similar. Lauren Rico manages it so well to describe the suffering of the people around Jeremy. How hard it is to not play along with the rules of this Sociopath.
It is amazing to see how the relationships between the characters change and grow and how each individual character evolves.
And of course we are getting insight into Jeremys thoughts as well and of course I got creeped out again, but this time there were also moments when I had to smile and cheer on some other characters that met him.
What I missed a bit in this book was the effect of the classical music. It was still there and everytime it was there the descriptions where as well and as thoughtful as in the first book, but there wasn't nearly as much of it as in Reverie. How the music made the atmosphere darker and darker in Reverie I felt in Rhapsody it was more of a companion for the characters.
I definetly could have had more of it as it was such a great description of the characters feelings, but that is really the only thing I can criticize.
Rhapsody is different yes, especially when it comes to darkness and action, but it is as amazingly written as Reverie.
I definetly see this closer to 5 stars then 4 so maybe 4,75 stars or even 5 stars for me.
Thank you again to Lauren for providing me a copy of her book, I am much looking forward to the third part.
A more in depth review will be up on my blog throughout the week.
October 13, 2016
This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I finished this book last night and so many things have changed. The main characters have developed. The psycho villain got even more psycho. The side characters from the first book got points of view. And we also got new side characters.
This book touched on topics that were left open ended in Reverie. Which, I really liked because it gave us more info on the Corrigan's backstory. Also, there was a feeling of "looking over your shoulder" throughout the book because you never knew when the other shoe was going to drop. Especially since the POVs were changing throughout the book, and one character had important info, but the character I was reading from didn't know this said information. If that makes sense?
A character that really stood out to me from the very beginning was Maggie. She is one of the new additions to this trilogy. Her actions speak louder than words. She grabs the bull by the horns. Basically, she is badass. I really liked the glimpses that we saw of her in this book. I do hope that the next book, Requiem has more of her in it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like the first book, Reverie had a bit more darker themes than this one. Don't get me wrong a lot of fucked up shit happens in Rhapsody, like suicide, so please be aware of that before picking this book up. Also, we did get a preview of what is in store for us in the third book, Requiem and just by reading the opening chapter. I have a feeling that it is going reach a whole new level of fucked up.
I finished this book last night and so many things have changed. The main characters have developed. The psycho villain got even more psycho. The side characters from the first book got points of view. And we also got new side characters.
This book touched on topics that were left open ended in Reverie. Which, I really liked because it gave us more info on the Corrigan's backstory. Also, there was a feeling of "looking over your shoulder" throughout the book because you never knew when the other shoe was going to drop. Especially since the POVs were changing throughout the book, and one character had important info, but the character I was reading from didn't know this said information. If that makes sense?
A character that really stood out to me from the very beginning was Maggie. She is one of the new additions to this trilogy. Her actions speak louder than words. She grabs the bull by the horns. Basically, she is badass. I really liked the glimpses that we saw of her in this book. I do hope that the next book, Requiem has more of her in it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like the first book, Reverie had a bit more darker themes than this one. Don't get me wrong a lot of fucked up shit happens in Rhapsody, like suicide, so please be aware of that before picking this book up. Also, we did get a preview of what is in store for us in the third book, Requiem and just by reading the opening chapter. I have a feeling that it is going reach a whole new level of fucked up.
January 27, 2019
3.5 stars. Reread.
October 1, 2016
I couldn’t wait to get back inside the twisted, nerve-racking, thrilling, and romantic (yes, there is romance) world that Lauren E. Rico has created. Rhapsody is the continuation of the story that began in Reverie. If you haven’t read Reverie yet, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy – you won’t want to put it down.
It’s always challenging to write a review for a book within a series. I don’t want to divulge too many details that will spoil the first or second book in the series for potential readers. Well, I actually do want to tell everyone about every detail and scene in this book. I would like nothing more than to shout out my feelings from the rooftop, but I’m not going to do it.
Rhapsody is told from the perspective of multiple characters. I always enjoy a book that gives a voice to more than one character. It provides the reader with an insight into the mindset and personalities of the characters. This is a very important feature for a book like Rhapsody. Rhapsody takes the reader on a psychological thrill ride into the lives of classical musicians and their interactions and relationships with a talented, handsome, narcissistic and nefarious man who is devoid of empathy. Reading the story as it unfolds from their individual perspectives only makes the story that much more intriguing. It enabled me to see one particular character in a new light, giving me a better understanding of his true nature.
Rhapsody is a fast paced read that kept my interest from beginning to end. I was easily transported back into the lives of these fascinating characters, not wanting to stop reading even when real life was calling.
As someone who enjoys reading before bedtime, I can honestly say that I shouldn’t have read Rhapsody before getting some much needed sleep. When I reluctantly turned off my e-reader, I fell asleep and had a nightmare where I was fighting off a main character from the book. I woke myself up thrashing around and trying to shake my husband’s arms off of me. If that isn’t a true testament to the intensity of the story and the author’s writing ability, I don’t know what is.
Rhapsody kept me on the edge of my seat, immersing me in the characters and the story. I don’t usually read the teaser excerpts for the next book in a series, but I couldn’t help but be curious to read the beginning of Requiem. Jaw-dropping! Out of concern for my husband’s safety, I will not be reading Requiem at night! ;)
It’s always challenging to write a review for a book within a series. I don’t want to divulge too many details that will spoil the first or second book in the series for potential readers. Well, I actually do want to tell everyone about every detail and scene in this book. I would like nothing more than to shout out my feelings from the rooftop, but I’m not going to do it.
Rhapsody is told from the perspective of multiple characters. I always enjoy a book that gives a voice to more than one character. It provides the reader with an insight into the mindset and personalities of the characters. This is a very important feature for a book like Rhapsody. Rhapsody takes the reader on a psychological thrill ride into the lives of classical musicians and their interactions and relationships with a talented, handsome, narcissistic and nefarious man who is devoid of empathy. Reading the story as it unfolds from their individual perspectives only makes the story that much more intriguing. It enabled me to see one particular character in a new light, giving me a better understanding of his true nature.
Rhapsody is a fast paced read that kept my interest from beginning to end. I was easily transported back into the lives of these fascinating characters, not wanting to stop reading even when real life was calling.
As someone who enjoys reading before bedtime, I can honestly say that I shouldn’t have read Rhapsody before getting some much needed sleep. When I reluctantly turned off my e-reader, I fell asleep and had a nightmare where I was fighting off a main character from the book. I woke myself up thrashing around and trying to shake my husband’s arms off of me. If that isn’t a true testament to the intensity of the story and the author’s writing ability, I don’t know what is.
Rhapsody kept me on the edge of my seat, immersing me in the characters and the story. I don’t usually read the teaser excerpts for the next book in a series, but I couldn’t help but be curious to read the beginning of Requiem. Jaw-dropping! Out of concern for my husband’s safety, I will not be reading Requiem at night! ;)
October 11, 2016
Do you guys remember Reverie? The book about classical music and romance? I am happy to let you know that there is a second book! I always get nervous about the second books, second movies, etc. but I have to say that this book didn't disappoint. The book kept my attention all the way through.
The best part of this book for me was that we got to catch up with Jeremy and Julia. Julia is still the emotional one (in a good way). Jeremy is still as ambitious as ever and when things happen, he steps up to deal with it. As you know we don't spoilers here on the blog, so I don't want to say too much.
I enjoyed the romance in this book. I think that I really like the combo of being passionate about something (like your work/music) and the passion that it can ignite when you find that in another person. This book has an interesting plot and I appreciated that.
I recommend this book for those that have an interest in love stories or those who have a passion for the arts. For those that enjoy both, this is the book for you. Thanks Lauren for the opportunity to read this book.
The best part of this book for me was that we got to catch up with Jeremy and Julia. Julia is still the emotional one (in a good way). Jeremy is still as ambitious as ever and when things happen, he steps up to deal with it. As you know we don't spoilers here on the blog, so I don't want to say too much.
I enjoyed the romance in this book. I think that I really like the combo of being passionate about something (like your work/music) and the passion that it can ignite when you find that in another person. This book has an interesting plot and I appreciated that.
I recommend this book for those that have an interest in love stories or those who have a passion for the arts. For those that enjoy both, this is the book for you. Thanks Lauren for the opportunity to read this book.
June 25, 2017
Rhapsody by Lauren E Rico.
Top cellist Julia James has begun a whole new life- happily married and expecting her first child. She is finally poised to have the life she's always dreamed of and she is finally able to put the past behind her.
Unfortunately, the past isn't quite done with Julia yet.
Riding high on his gold medal win at the Kreisler International Music Competition, Jeremy Corrigan is stunned to find his reputation in tatters, along with his plans for fame and fortune. But Jeremy isn't one to tolerate failure.
Once he has determined that Julia and her husband are to blame for his troubles, there's nothing he won't do to regain control over his fate... and theirs.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. This series just gets better and better. Love characters except Jeremy. Don't trust him. Very gripping read. 5*. Netgalley and Weaponry co-op.
Top cellist Julia James has begun a whole new life- happily married and expecting her first child. She is finally poised to have the life she's always dreamed of and she is finally able to put the past behind her.
Unfortunately, the past isn't quite done with Julia yet.
Riding high on his gold medal win at the Kreisler International Music Competition, Jeremy Corrigan is stunned to find his reputation in tatters, along with his plans for fame and fortune. But Jeremy isn't one to tolerate failure.
Once he has determined that Julia and her husband are to blame for his troubles, there's nothing he won't do to regain control over his fate... and theirs.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. This series just gets better and better. Love characters except Jeremy. Don't trust him. Very gripping read. 5*. Netgalley and Weaponry co-op.
March 12, 2017
I love this series!
This book delves into Brett, Jeremy's brother, and his story and feelings about the things his brother does. Admittedly I hated him in Reverie since he is the one person who knows all of the things Jeremy does but allows him to get away with it. I started to like him while reading this.
Not a fan about a certain comment about conservatives, there are plenty that work in soup kitchens and give to the poor. There are ways to describe what happened, you can be a liberal and still be a bigot. I know plenty of liberals who don't do crap for other people or help the poor. Thankfully it was a small part of the book.
Other than that I enjoyed watching Matt and Julia's relationship develop. The flashbacks had me bawling. I made the mistake of reading this around my boyfriend and his family and they kept asking if I was okay. Anytime someone can write in a way that moves me that much it's 5 stars.
Sidenote: I love how Lauren captures the emotions that course through the musician while they play music. It makes me want to pick up my flute again.
This book delves into Brett, Jeremy's brother, and his story and feelings about the things his brother does. Admittedly I hated him in Reverie since he is the one person who knows all of the things Jeremy does but allows him to get away with it. I started to like him while reading this.
Not a fan about a certain comment about conservatives, there are plenty that work in soup kitchens and give to the poor. There are ways to describe what happened, you can be a liberal and still be a bigot. I know plenty of liberals who don't do crap for other people or help the poor. Thankfully it was a small part of the book.
Other than that I enjoyed watching Matt and Julia's relationship develop. The flashbacks had me bawling. I made the mistake of reading this around my boyfriend and his family and they kept asking if I was okay. Anytime someone can write in a way that moves me that much it's 5 stars.
Sidenote: I love how Lauren captures the emotions that course through the musician while they play music. It makes me want to pick up my flute again.
December 7, 2016
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Rhapsody is the sequel to Reverie by Lauren E. Rico. If you haven't read the first book, please go read it before you read this review. I'm not responsible for any first book spoilers you may come across. I tried, but it'd be impossible to not slip up little bit about book one while reviewing book two.
I absolutely lost myself while reading Reverie, the first book in this series. My enchantment broke a little during Rhapsody when it started getting a touch politicy with all the talk of liberal vs conservative. It felt like a mild political agenda push, and it took me out of my trance. It's been impossible to get away from politics for a while now, and the last thing I wanted was to find it in my fictional worlds too. Thankfully, once past about first quarter of the book or maybe less, that talk ended, and I was able to re-engage.
We get to know Brett much better this time around. In the first book, I thought he was playing the role of enabler as a survival mechanism, but there was one particular action and then that glimpse into his mind at the end of Reverie made me think he was more like his brother than I thought. It surprised me. Is he like his brother? Or was my first impression closer to the truth? I'm not telling, but he's one complicated dude. Maggie was a hoot. I liked her a lot actually. She's pretty straight forward and doesn't take crap. Brett needs some of that in his life. Actually, all the characters do.
We also get Julia and Jeremy's perspectives again, but this time we get Matthew's point of view too. The different perspectives this time around were very beneficial. They allowed me to really get to know the people around Julia and Jeremy. There is so much depth to this series both in the story and the music surrounding it. I don't even know classical music well, but I can feel the emotions of it through the author's writing. That's a pretty amazing thing. This is a highly addictive series, and a new favorite for me. Be prepared. When you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down until you're done.
Rhapsody by Lauren E. Rico was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
November 20, 2016
Please note, I received a free Mobi copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rhapsody is the second book of a trilogy: Reverie / Rhapsody / Requiem, but does work well as a standalone book. Plenty of back-story is given for those who haven't read book one, which does feel on the repetitive side for those who have, especially when they read them close together, as I did. While the ending still doesn't tie up the biggest thread, it is rounded up enough to feel satisfying. The book is open ended without being a cliff-hanger. Once again, I adore the book cover and feel it gives a good feel of the story within.
As with the first novel, I connected strongly with the characters and the world of classical music. The point of view switches from character to character in this second book, with each person getting their own section, and all switches are clearly indicated for the reader. I love it when I don't have to deal with the tedium of head-hopping. As with my review for book one, the narrative does suffer from spelling mistakes and unpolished writing, but somehow, the author manages to pull off a cracking good read all the same.
The story follows on with the original two main characters, Matthew and Julia, together with our unloveable rogue, Jeremy. It also gives more weight to some of the side characters, who slide into the spotlight as the story progresses. I look forward to seeing how the third and final book wraps all this up.
If you're into erotic romance thrillers, then this series is one for you to get your teeth into, and Lauren Rico is one author that I shall be following with interest. It gets a solid four out of four stars from me.
Rhapsody is the second book of a trilogy: Reverie / Rhapsody / Requiem, but does work well as a standalone book. Plenty of back-story is given for those who haven't read book one, which does feel on the repetitive side for those who have, especially when they read them close together, as I did. While the ending still doesn't tie up the biggest thread, it is rounded up enough to feel satisfying. The book is open ended without being a cliff-hanger. Once again, I adore the book cover and feel it gives a good feel of the story within.
As with the first novel, I connected strongly with the characters and the world of classical music. The point of view switches from character to character in this second book, with each person getting their own section, and all switches are clearly indicated for the reader. I love it when I don't have to deal with the tedium of head-hopping. As with my review for book one, the narrative does suffer from spelling mistakes and unpolished writing, but somehow, the author manages to pull off a cracking good read all the same.
The story follows on with the original two main characters, Matthew and Julia, together with our unloveable rogue, Jeremy. It also gives more weight to some of the side characters, who slide into the spotlight as the story progresses. I look forward to seeing how the third and final book wraps all this up.
If you're into erotic romance thrillers, then this series is one for you to get your teeth into, and Lauren Rico is one author that I shall be following with interest. It gets a solid four out of four stars from me.
October 1, 2016
this is the follow up book to reverie, so make sure youve read that one before you start this book. this is a different story
from the first but still an amazing read. this is a dark read with plenty of action to keep you reading long into the night.
this book is amazingly written with fab characters. it is just a fantastic follow up story to the first book. i cant wait
to read more from this author in the future.
highly recommended
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from the first but still an amazing read. this is a dark read with plenty of action to keep you reading long into the night.
this book is amazingly written with fab characters. it is just a fantastic follow up story to the first book. i cant wait
to read more from this author in the future.
highly recommended
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March 2, 2018
4 Stars From Underground Book Reviews!
A novel filled with music, hope, romance, and a hidden darkness that could leave you in anticipation of what could happen next.
Those who enjoy romance with a touch of thrilling psychopath tactics from the antagonist, this book could be an excellent read for you. Otherwise, should be avoided by those who enjoy light-hearted romance novels.
…read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
A novel filled with music, hope, romance, and a hidden darkness that could leave you in anticipation of what could happen next.
Those who enjoy romance with a touch of thrilling psychopath tactics from the antagonist, this book could be an excellent read for you. Otherwise, should be avoided by those who enjoy light-hearted romance novels.
…read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
February 19, 2017
This is book two and needs to be read in order you wont be able to put this down a recommended read i loved it
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews