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Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost
Listening Length: 7 hours and 58 minutes
Fitz Gaffney finally has some breathing room. His mother's out of town, his piano coaches have backed off, and he's spending his time in a music conservatory where he only has to be adequate for an entire year before all his responsibilities come crashing back in again. Along with his new free time comes the realization that he's lonely, but his first attempt to make new friends goes horribly awry.
Fitz's new - but possibly imaginary - friends, Evan and Serge, want to help him find happiness. His used-to-be-step-brother Ari Scheffield wants to help him gain confidence and a little much-needed cool. His housekeeper Marguerite wants to keep fowl in the back yard for butchering because duck confit is expensive and she has pillows to re-stuff. And his possible new boyfriend Garrett wants to prove he didn't mean for their first date to end with Fitz lying unconscious in a dumpster.
All Fitz wants is someone to care about him, but suddenly there seems to be a glut. How's a shy guy to know what's real when he's confronted by crazy ghosts, a less-than-truthful boyfriend, and relatives with hidden motives in Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost.
Fitz Gaffney finally has some breathing room. His mother's out of town, his piano coaches have backed off, and he's spending his time in a music conservatory where he only has to be adequate for an entire year before all his responsibilities come crashing back in again. Along with his new free time comes the realization that he's lonely, but his first attempt to make new friends goes horribly awry.
Fitz's new - but possibly imaginary - friends, Evan and Serge, want to help him find happiness. His used-to-be-step-brother Ari Scheffield wants to help him gain confidence and a little much-needed cool. His housekeeper Marguerite wants to keep fowl in the back yard for butchering because duck confit is expensive and she has pillows to re-stuff. And his possible new boyfriend Garrett wants to prove he didn't mean for their first date to end with Fitz lying unconscious in a dumpster.
All Fitz wants is someone to care about him, but suddenly there seems to be a glut. How's a shy guy to know what's real when he's confronted by crazy ghosts, a less-than-truthful boyfriend, and relatives with hidden motives in Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 23, 2011
33 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 2, 2025
I enjoyed the book, very nice plot and interesting characters! I was entertained, annoyed, angry, happy, it was a good job!!
The thing that I found really annoying is that the writer loves to write about dumb characters, almost in every book. Do people really behave like that, or have such bad decisions? It's not an excuse to be innocent, in this particular story, I was that innocent and with no friends on his age, and I've never fell into a trap twice, or let myself draw into odd situations... Maybe because he is so rich, he turned into a brat, in a lighter level.
I have this book on Audible as well, I notice that the book I have is a little different from the audiobook, my book seems to be edited ...
Douglas Berger have a beautiful voice, I really enjoyed listening him, I was engaged, I would just suggest to push a smidge more in the sex scenes, I think he held back a little, it didn't damaged the scene, I just think he could go further, I also notice that Ari's characteristic voice changed a few moments. Overall, He did a marvellous job!! Congratulations!!
The thing that I found really annoying is that the writer loves to write about dumb characters, almost in every book. Do people really behave like that, or have such bad decisions? It's not an excuse to be innocent, in this particular story, I was that innocent and with no friends on his age, and I've never fell into a trap twice, or let myself draw into odd situations... Maybe because he is so rich, he turned into a brat, in a lighter level.
I have this book on Audible as well, I notice that the book I have is a little different from the audiobook, my book seems to be edited ...
Douglas Berger have a beautiful voice, I really enjoyed listening him, I was engaged, I would just suggest to push a smidge more in the sex scenes, I think he held back a little, it didn't damaged the scene, I just think he could go further, I also notice that Ari's characteristic voice changed a few moments. Overall, He did a marvellous job!! Congratulations!!
May 31, 2011
I adored this story. I've always been a sucker for the older friend of the family/ingenue storyline, and this one was a pitch-perfect example. Fitz was such a marvelous ingenue in trouble--and Ari was so very patient waiting for him. Watching Fitz fumble to be comfortable in his own skin and to recognize the things in himself that Ari saw was painful and charming at once, and the ending was so worth the suspense. And what can I say about Julian and Serge? Ye gods, they were beautiful--their tragic story and their poignant chemistry and their wonderful, Old World charm--I was incredibly in love with both of them, both Serge the patient and Julian the impish. They totally stole both the show and my heart--and so did this unusual, fun, and sweet book.
December 9, 2016
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio book: Douglas Berger - 4
Book Cover: 2
This was funny. I really enjoyed the whole thing with the ghosts and their story. I think that was something that really contributed positively to the book in all because it made it a little more dazzling.
I would be laying outright if I didn't say that Fritz had more than one sparklink moment where he mad me frown and want to smack him upside the head. But then I had to remember than he is a 19 year old sheltered, socially unequipped boy who doesn't really know who he is or how to handle the word around him for that matter, and I found a way to live with him.
Arie...well Arie was just great. I still would have liked more of him. More detail, more emotion, more time spent on his inner mechanics. ( I'm talking heart here people! ) It was obviously dangled in front of our noses the whole time that Arie got hurt some way, or by someone. But that was all we got, the dangling carrot.
Fritz doesn’t magically grow up over night by the end of the story but at least he finds direction and a little more decisiveness. I may personally feel that Arie deserves a little better here, but I really got a liking in him and so I'm just favouring him more than I happen to be favouring the lead character.
Julian and Serge was great, they made me laugh and they made me sad and they made me smile with a little bitter sweet when they loved each other so perfectly.
I'm refraining to say anything about "Garrett" for reasons that will be known to those who read the book.
Nice enjoyable read.
Audio book: Douglas Berger - 4
Book Cover: 2
This was funny. I really enjoyed the whole thing with the ghosts and their story. I think that was something that really contributed positively to the book in all because it made it a little more dazzling.
I would be laying outright if I didn't say that Fritz had more than one sparklink moment where he mad me frown and want to smack him upside the head. But then I had to remember than he is a 19 year old sheltered, socially unequipped boy who doesn't really know who he is or how to handle the word around him for that matter, and I found a way to live with him.
Arie...well Arie was just great. I still would have liked more of him. More detail, more emotion, more time spent on his inner mechanics. ( I'm talking heart here people! ) It was obviously dangled in front of our noses the whole time that Arie got hurt some way, or by someone. But that was all we got, the dangling carrot.
Fritz doesn’t magically grow up over night by the end of the story but at least he finds direction and a little more decisiveness. I may personally feel that Arie deserves a little better here, but I really got a liking in him and so I'm just favouring him more than I happen to be favouring the lead character.
Julian and Serge was great, they made me laugh and they made me sad and they made me smile with a little bitter sweet when they loved each other so perfectly.
I'm refraining to say anything about "Garrett" for reasons that will be known to those who read the book.
Nice enjoyable read.
September 8, 2020
4 Stars
Review:
This was heartwarming and so easy to sink into with a romance that was refreshingly different and messy but still sweet!
I’ll start this review by talking about the romance. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to talk about this because it’s obvious when you start reading, but you can skip this paragraph if you really want to avoid all possibility of spoilers. So, the romance. I’ll admit it was a bit weird in some ways. Fitz and Ari were briefly step-brothers as kids, then they weren’t, but they remained in each others’ lives, and, at some point, Ari’s feelings turned into romantic ones. The only reason I say it’s weird is because, for so much of the book, Ari kept treating Fitz in such a big brother-y, mentor-y, protective sort of way, rather than treating him the way you’d treat an equal partner. Buuuut I love that the author explored this scenario because, in real life, there are all different ways that relationships can form. And I did think they were cute together in the end.
I also loved how messy and un-formulaic the romance was. In real life, it’s not always as simple as “meet stranger -> flirt or become friends -> fall in love.” And it wasn’t that simple in this book either. But it also wasn’t messy for no reason. Everything that happened in this book was important and a huge part of Fitz’s growth and brought the characters together in the end.
Even Adelade and Ben’s relationship (parents) and their possible path to romance was different in a way. If you can’t tell, I really like atypical relationships in books.
There were also ghosts! Julian and Serge were completely adorable together. I liked that they were developed and had a touching backstory of their own rather than just being shoved to the background as side characters. They were fun characters, especially Julian and all his impulsiveness, sass, and general disregard of the law. It was also really sweet how they cared about Fitz and basically made themselves his ghost dads.
I do have a couple complaints though. This was a small thing, but I didn’t like Ari’s remarks about how he didn’t understand how someone could be attracted to someone who’s mentally ill. He was talking about characters in a movie, and I think it was only brought up because it explained why Fitz didn’t tell Ari about the ghosts (he was worried Ari would think he was having delusions or hallucinations), but I’m warning because that line could be really hurtful to some people.
Another thing, it was explained how Julian and Serge became ghosts, but nothing else about them was ever explained. Not what they could and couldn’t do, why certain people could see them but not others, etc., so that sometimes seemed a bit random.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Douglas Berger was great. It sounded natural. The voices were different enough to tell characters apart and suited the characters. His voice was nice to listen to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. The characters were lovable, the romance was unique, messy, and sweet, and really, who can resist ghost dads? ;-)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes messy, non-formulaic m/m romance, new adult, heartwarming stories, and adorable ghost dads.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This was heartwarming and so easy to sink into with a romance that was refreshingly different and messy but still sweet!
I’ll start this review by talking about the romance. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to talk about this because it’s obvious when you start reading, but you can skip this paragraph if you really want to avoid all possibility of spoilers. So, the romance. I’ll admit it was a bit weird in some ways. Fitz and Ari were briefly step-brothers as kids, then they weren’t, but they remained in each others’ lives, and, at some point, Ari’s feelings turned into romantic ones. The only reason I say it’s weird is because, for so much of the book, Ari kept treating Fitz in such a big brother-y, mentor-y, protective sort of way, rather than treating him the way you’d treat an equal partner. Buuuut I love that the author explored this scenario because, in real life, there are all different ways that relationships can form. And I did think they were cute together in the end.
I also loved how messy and un-formulaic the romance was. In real life, it’s not always as simple as “meet stranger -> flirt or become friends -> fall in love.” And it wasn’t that simple in this book either. But it also wasn’t messy for no reason. Everything that happened in this book was important and a huge part of Fitz’s growth and brought the characters together in the end.
Even Adelade and Ben’s relationship (parents) and their possible path to romance was different in a way. If you can’t tell, I really like atypical relationships in books.
There were also ghosts! Julian and Serge were completely adorable together. I liked that they were developed and had a touching backstory of their own rather than just being shoved to the background as side characters. They were fun characters, especially Julian and all his impulsiveness, sass, and general disregard of the law. It was also really sweet how they cared about Fitz and basically made themselves his ghost dads.
I do have a couple complaints though. This was a small thing, but I didn’t like Ari’s remarks about how he didn’t understand how someone could be attracted to someone who’s mentally ill. He was talking about characters in a movie, and I think it was only brought up because it explained why Fitz didn’t tell Ari about the ghosts (he was worried Ari would think he was having delusions or hallucinations), but I’m warning because that line could be really hurtful to some people.
Another thing, it was explained how Julian and Serge became ghosts, but nothing else about them was ever explained. Not what they could and couldn’t do, why certain people could see them but not others, etc., so that sometimes seemed a bit random.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Douglas Berger was great. It sounded natural. The voices were different enough to tell characters apart and suited the characters. His voice was nice to listen to.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. The characters were lovable, the romance was unique, messy, and sweet, and really, who can resist ghost dads? ;-)
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes messy, non-formulaic m/m romance, new adult, heartwarming stories, and adorable ghost dads.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
January 11, 2019
Wow! How had I never found this little gem before? I loved Fitz, and could so identify with his awkwardness. He's was the totally cute guy you knew from school, who had no idea he was good-looking. Smart too! But lonely. So lonely.
Enter Julian and Serge. Sigh. What a romantic couple and the perfect ones to give our hero the nudge he needed in the right direction. I'm so glad they didn't suddenly disappear at the end.
Ari had a lot of patience and needed every ounce, trying so hard to be with Fitz when Fitz had no clue. Poor guys had to work their way through a lot of mixed signals. They fit so well together, but boy, did ZAM ever make them work for the happy!
Garrett? He's the bad relationship one must go through at times to learn what they don't want in a person, which is equally important to what they do want, and helps them appreciate it when they find the right one.
What stood out, and seemed so appropriate for Fitz's age group and inexperience, is that he admitted he didn't know where he wanted to go in life, and that things might change someday. But we definitely get a happy for now ending. Even though he didn't want to promise forever yet, I'm totally convinced they'll get there. They have such great role models in Julian and Serge, though the ghostly couple's story broke my heart. Love that outlasts life. Beautiful. They deserved it.
And one day, in an empty house many years in the future, two couples will be dancing, together for always.
Enter Julian and Serge. Sigh. What a romantic couple and the perfect ones to give our hero the nudge he needed in the right direction. I'm so glad they didn't suddenly disappear at the end.
Ari had a lot of patience and needed every ounce, trying so hard to be with Fitz when Fitz had no clue. Poor guys had to work their way through a lot of mixed signals. They fit so well together, but boy, did ZAM ever make them work for the happy!
Garrett? He's the bad relationship one must go through at times to learn what they don't want in a person, which is equally important to what they do want, and helps them appreciate it when they find the right one.
What stood out, and seemed so appropriate for Fitz's age group and inexperience, is that he admitted he didn't know where he wanted to go in life, and that things might change someday. But we definitely get a happy for now ending. Even though he didn't want to promise forever yet, I'm totally convinced they'll get there. They have such great role models in Julian and Serge, though the ghostly couple's story broke my heart. Love that outlasts life. Beautiful. They deserved it.
And one day, in an empty house many years in the future, two couples will be dancing, together for always.
February 8, 2023
3.5 stars
August 15, 2011
Holy crap. I must have been so busy waiting with baited breath for the next St. Nacho's book that I passed out and missed this one completely! Color me surprised. Oh. What. Fun. And this was a nice, long, meaty read that I could really sink my teeth into.
So Fitz is kind of young and innocent and on his own for the first time, and manages to dive head-first into the deep, shark-infested end of the dating pool. When he wakes up in a dumpster at the end of an awful encounter (sure, we've all been there, right?) he is rescued by two ghostly apparitions who decide to sort of adopt him as their own and help him navigate the slings and arrows of outrageous relationships. Somehow, Fitz finds himself trapped between his former stepbrother and a hot boyfriend who doesn't necessarily have Fitz's best interests at heart. Then, you know, hilarity and drama, and a little bow-chicka-wow-wow ensues.
I enjoyed that while Fitz kind of starts the story as an innocent rich kid, he isn't a helpless, hapless omega who truly can't fend for himself. And sometimes when he gets dicked around he knows it's because he's doing the right thing, and he still insists on being the good guy. The world needs people like that. I also loved that this was a little reminiscent of Crossing Borders with the younger protagonist and maybe also a little hint of The Long Way Home with the paranormal aspect, but it was *very* much its own story. I think Fitz's age was a big part of what made the story so fun; the character voice and the humor that you just can't get away with when writing an older character.
Disklikes? Minor nits maybe, the biggie being that I had difficulty getting a bead on the age of Ari, the major love interest, and that would have helped anchor the relationship a little better in my head. But it didn't keep me from enjoying the story, and maybe I just missed something somewhere?
So listen, while you're twiddling your thumbs waiting to see if Dan gets to ride the Camshaft, this book would be an excellent expenditure of your time. Srsly. ;-)
So Fitz is kind of young and innocent and on his own for the first time, and manages to dive head-first into the deep, shark-infested end of the dating pool. When he wakes up in a dumpster at the end of an awful encounter (sure, we've all been there, right?) he is rescued by two ghostly apparitions who decide to sort of adopt him as their own and help him navigate the slings and arrows of outrageous relationships. Somehow, Fitz finds himself trapped between his former stepbrother and a hot boyfriend who doesn't necessarily have Fitz's best interests at heart. Then, you know, hilarity and drama, and a little bow-chicka-wow-wow ensues.
I enjoyed that while Fitz kind of starts the story as an innocent rich kid, he isn't a helpless, hapless omega who truly can't fend for himself. And sometimes when he gets dicked around he knows it's because he's doing the right thing, and he still insists on being the good guy. The world needs people like that. I also loved that this was a little reminiscent of Crossing Borders with the younger protagonist and maybe also a little hint of The Long Way Home with the paranormal aspect, but it was *very* much its own story. I think Fitz's age was a big part of what made the story so fun; the character voice and the humor that you just can't get away with when writing an older character.
Disklikes? Minor nits maybe, the biggie being that I had difficulty getting a bead on the age of Ari, the major love interest, and that would have helped anchor the relationship a little better in my head. But it didn't keep me from enjoying the story, and maybe I just missed something somewhere?
So listen, while you're twiddling your thumbs waiting to see if Dan gets to ride the Camshaft, this book would be an excellent expenditure of your time. Srsly. ;-)
May 21, 2021
Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost
Z.A. Maxfield
ZAM I AM books, 2011
Four stars
Quite the perfect mélange of quirky artist/nerd and hot celebrity/nerd romance—with a rather odd but effective ghost story thrown in, although for what reason I’m still not sure. That said, I enjoyed this a lot, because the author has a way with characters and with language in general.
Fitzgerald Algernon Gaffney is a youthful piano prodigy, taking a pre-college “gap year” as only his overpowering (and entirely offscreen) mother Adelaide would envision it: a year in a music conservatory in Los Angeles, so that his virtuoso skills won’t get rusty. Fitz is comfortable but lonely in his mother’s palatial house, happy with his studies, but sort of desperate to have a love life—or at least a social life. There is an eccentric housekeeper who was intriguing but who also did not get enough attention in the narrative.
When Fitz’s first attempt at a date with a classmate goes horribly awry, he is rescued twice: first by two elegant ghosts, Serge and Julian, and then by Ari Scheffield, Fitz’s one-time stepbrother. With clear homage to the 1995 film “Clueless,” Ari is perhaps five years older than Fitz. A former boy-band singer turned forensic accountant, Ari has always liked Fitz, probably more than Fitz ever understood. Fitz has always looked up to Ari, whose apparent perfection makes him feel even more inadequate than he usually does. Each young man sees the other as a kind of “impossible dream.” It’s an obvious romantic set-up, but it works because of Fitz’s innocence and Ari’s innate goodness.
This is not a very profound plot, but it is full of fun and the characters are engaging. I got a better sense of who Ari is—and he’s a genuinely interesting and admirable guy. Fitz, on the other hand, is not quite as fully fleshed out. I’d have liked to know more about his love for piano playing—which is certainly discussed, but also somewhat overwhelmed by his ditzy inability to behave responsibly. Fitz is vulnerable and innocent, which is the perfect set-up for Ari’s knight-in-shining-armor instincts. The few scenes where Fitz plays the piano are really good—but I wanted more.
The ghosts, who move into Fitz’s house after pulling him out of a dumpster, are a slightly missed opportunity. Either it needs to be a longer book, or there needs to be a second book to give Julian and Serge more time. What they do in this story is great—and their story is revealed at just the right moment to make it maximally heartbreaking. This duo is a brilliant conceit, but I never fully got the “why” of their presence in the book, other than to add a paranormal sitcom spice to the screwball romance story. The author clearly loves Julian and Serge, but I think they deserved more, and could have made the story greater and more historically resonant. I see where Maxfield was going with them, but she didn’t quite get there.
This is a good book; but had it not been hemmed in by the parameters of m/m romance, I think it could have been a great book. Ari and Fitz have an epic quality to their love that was only gently explored; while Julian and Serge represent something bigger, darker, and potentially life-changing for the two living men.
Z.A. Maxfield
ZAM I AM books, 2011
Four stars
Quite the perfect mélange of quirky artist/nerd and hot celebrity/nerd romance—with a rather odd but effective ghost story thrown in, although for what reason I’m still not sure. That said, I enjoyed this a lot, because the author has a way with characters and with language in general.
Fitzgerald Algernon Gaffney is a youthful piano prodigy, taking a pre-college “gap year” as only his overpowering (and entirely offscreen) mother Adelaide would envision it: a year in a music conservatory in Los Angeles, so that his virtuoso skills won’t get rusty. Fitz is comfortable but lonely in his mother’s palatial house, happy with his studies, but sort of desperate to have a love life—or at least a social life. There is an eccentric housekeeper who was intriguing but who also did not get enough attention in the narrative.
When Fitz’s first attempt at a date with a classmate goes horribly awry, he is rescued twice: first by two elegant ghosts, Serge and Julian, and then by Ari Scheffield, Fitz’s one-time stepbrother. With clear homage to the 1995 film “Clueless,” Ari is perhaps five years older than Fitz. A former boy-band singer turned forensic accountant, Ari has always liked Fitz, probably more than Fitz ever understood. Fitz has always looked up to Ari, whose apparent perfection makes him feel even more inadequate than he usually does. Each young man sees the other as a kind of “impossible dream.” It’s an obvious romantic set-up, but it works because of Fitz’s innocence and Ari’s innate goodness.
This is not a very profound plot, but it is full of fun and the characters are engaging. I got a better sense of who Ari is—and he’s a genuinely interesting and admirable guy. Fitz, on the other hand, is not quite as fully fleshed out. I’d have liked to know more about his love for piano playing—which is certainly discussed, but also somewhat overwhelmed by his ditzy inability to behave responsibly. Fitz is vulnerable and innocent, which is the perfect set-up for Ari’s knight-in-shining-armor instincts. The few scenes where Fitz plays the piano are really good—but I wanted more.
The ghosts, who move into Fitz’s house after pulling him out of a dumpster, are a slightly missed opportunity. Either it needs to be a longer book, or there needs to be a second book to give Julian and Serge more time. What they do in this story is great—and their story is revealed at just the right moment to make it maximally heartbreaking. This duo is a brilliant conceit, but I never fully got the “why” of their presence in the book, other than to add a paranormal sitcom spice to the screwball romance story. The author clearly loves Julian and Serge, but I think they deserved more, and could have made the story greater and more historically resonant. I see where Maxfield was going with them, but she didn’t quite get there.
This is a good book; but had it not been hemmed in by the parameters of m/m romance, I think it could have been a great book. Ari and Fitz have an epic quality to their love that was only gently explored; while Julian and Serge represent something bigger, darker, and potentially life-changing for the two living men.
October 15, 2022
This was a pretty good audiobook. Fitz starts off naïve and a absent minded piano prodigy. He is not use to being front and center. After a disastrous date Fitz finds himself being taken care of by Julian and Serge two dapper men who rescue him from a garbage bin eventually Fitz realized that they are ghosts. We also get introduced to Ari who comes to Fitz’s rescue. Ari is Fitz’s older ex step brother he is a handsome and sophisticated ex boy band member. I wondered what Garrett really wanted throughout this book. I was glad that we got to see the growth in Friz. This was a good book and I loved the narration.
November 19, 2019
3.5 stars
This was an okay read. I loved the ghosts, Julian and Serge. They were a wonderful part of the story. Fitz drove me crazy with the naive and gullible way he dealt with Garrett who was horrible from the beginning and just got worse. I had to keep reminding myself that Fitz was only 19 and just too desperate and filled with lust to have any common sense. Ari was lovely and I liked the HFN ending because Fitz still has some growing up to do.
This was an okay read. I loved the ghosts, Julian and Serge. They were a wonderful part of the story. Fitz drove me crazy with the naive and gullible way he dealt with Garrett who was horrible from the beginning and just got worse. I had to keep reminding myself that Fitz was only 19 and just too desperate and filled with lust to have any common sense. Ari was lovely and I liked the HFN ending because Fitz still has some growing up to do.
January 23, 2022
I liked the ghosts and I liked Ari, but Fitz and Garret got on my nerves. I'm not a fan of love triangles and I was really hoping Fitz would see through the ass a lot sooner. Fitz was immature at times and although he had his issues, I found him annoying and felt sorry for Ari. Ari did have his own over protective issues. I liked when Ari was in on the secret and their dances together. The ghosts were sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
Maxfield has done it again! Combing current events. Well here it's an historical event. Meshed with a modern day slow burn romance. That relaxed my brain so much, that I didn't even notice I devoured this thread in one sitting. Boy was it delightful!
June 6, 2011
What can I say?? Apart from *Spoiler Alert* (and I don't know how to hide stuff with html code, so just stop reading now, okay?)
I really, really liked this story... it had just the right mix of laughter, tears, joy, family loyalty / fighting because you know things about each other that normal people just don't, hot guys, smokin' ghosts, men who know how to rhumba and lets not forget the angst.
Fitz is a really lonely character to begin with. His life has been all about music, his mother, music, her numerous husbands, music, private school and home tutors and music... I think you're getting it now. Don't get me wrong, he is very good at what he plays, but even Fitz knows there is something missing. Just prime for the picking, this young man makes things easy for those who don't always have the best of intentions. Picking himself up a pair of gay pseudo-mums was the best thing this character ever does (apart from hook up with his hot ex-step-brother).
Ari is another story. A singer in a boy band in a previous life (really this one, just his teenage years), Ari has manfully tried to put this in the past and move on with life. Finally acknowledging and dealing with his feelings for Fitz becomes part of that, but now he's got competition.
It really worked for me that the ghosts stuck around. In nearly every other story I've read, the ghosts leave or are there for a purpose. Like Fitz states, "Just what do you want?". These men had only one purpose, to love each other from the beyond. It was also interesting that they could only touch physical objects, and not interfere with living beings.
If you like stories with some history, you could also give this one a go. It is written in a contemporary style, and is based in current time, but there are a lot of historical facts and data interspersed throughout that make things really interesting and give the ghostly characters depth. Otherwise, if you like anything else Z.A. has written, enjoy musical stories or just like a really nice, long novel then head on over to Loose and get yourself a copy of this! Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online
I really, really liked this story... it had just the right mix of laughter, tears, joy, family loyalty / fighting because you know things about each other that normal people just don't, hot guys, smokin' ghosts, men who know how to rhumba and lets not forget the angst.
Fitz is a really lonely character to begin with. His life has been all about music, his mother, music, her numerous husbands, music, private school and home tutors and music... I think you're getting it now. Don't get me wrong, he is very good at what he plays, but even Fitz knows there is something missing. Just prime for the picking, this young man makes things easy for those who don't always have the best of intentions. Picking himself up a pair of gay pseudo-mums was the best thing this character ever does (apart from hook up with his hot ex-step-brother).
Ari is another story. A singer in a boy band in a previous life (really this one, just his teenage years), Ari has manfully tried to put this in the past and move on with life. Finally acknowledging and dealing with his feelings for Fitz becomes part of that, but now he's got competition.
It really worked for me that the ghosts stuck around. In nearly every other story I've read, the ghosts leave or are there for a purpose. Like Fitz states, "Just what do you want?". These men had only one purpose, to love each other from the beyond. It was also interesting that they could only touch physical objects, and not interfere with living beings.
If you like stories with some history, you could also give this one a go. It is written in a contemporary style, and is based in current time, but there are a lot of historical facts and data interspersed throughout that make things really interesting and give the ghostly characters depth. Otherwise, if you like anything else Z.A. has written, enjoy musical stories or just like a really nice, long novel then head on over to Loose and get yourself a copy of this! Nx
Note: Reviewed for Queer Magazine Online
January 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and am sorry I waited so long to review it. Fitz Gaffney is a privileged young man living in his mother's house. He is studying piano and is very talented. He's also very lonely and a little bit of a social idiot. When he is hit on by a very cute student named Garrett, he's extremely excited for the attention...until he winds up unconscious in a dumpster.
Ari is his childhood friend and they grew up as stepbrothers. With Fitz's mother out of town, Ari takes Fitz under his wing. Fitz is also being watched over by two ghosts, Julian and Serge.
I thought this was a fun and quirky story with great characters. I thought the backstory with Julian and Serge was good, but it didn't really explain why they were helping Fitz. I think a sequel with Serge and Fitz would be great. Starting with their own love story and maybe ending with why they are helping other wayward lovers.
Ari is his childhood friend and they grew up as stepbrothers. With Fitz's mother out of town, Ari takes Fitz under his wing. Fitz is also being watched over by two ghosts, Julian and Serge.
I thought this was a fun and quirky story with great characters. I thought the backstory with Julian and Serge was good, but it didn't really explain why they were helping Fitz. I think a sequel with Serge and Fitz would be great. Starting with their own love story and maybe ending with why they are helping other wayward lovers.
September 19, 2020
This story was a surprise. First, I didn't realize it even existed and second because the narrator is new to me and did a great job with this story.
The story revolves around Fitz, a 19yo piano prodigy who's on his own as his jet-setting mother is away in Europe. Unfortunately, the young man who befriends him turns out to be a user--in more ways than one. But fortunately two lovely ghosts find him in a dumpster behind a club and become his guardian angels. Add to that his almost-step-broher Ari who has had a secret crush on Fitz (and vice versa) ever since their parents were married for a brief moment in time.
All turns out well with the help of a little ghostly intervention and Ari finally getting the courage to tell Fitz how he feels. I needed this audio to fuel my need for warm and fuzzy this week. Definitely recommended.
The story revolves around Fitz, a 19yo piano prodigy who's on his own as his jet-setting mother is away in Europe. Unfortunately, the young man who befriends him turns out to be a user--in more ways than one. But fortunately two lovely ghosts find him in a dumpster behind a club and become his guardian angels. Add to that his almost-step-broher Ari who has had a secret crush on Fitz (and vice versa) ever since their parents were married for a brief moment in time.
All turns out well with the help of a little ghostly intervention and Ari finally getting the courage to tell Fitz how he feels. I needed this audio to fuel my need for warm and fuzzy this week. Definitely recommended.
January 5, 2012
I've already re-read this book three times, and I love it more in each sitting. Whimsical, heartfelt, and yes, cute, Rhapsody for Piano and Ghost gave me that most coveted of all reader reactions: the urge to sigh, "Aw!" while clutching my Kindle to my now mushy heart.
The ghosts are subtle and have their own story, and I love the underscored idea that true love will always live on no matter what. The still-living lovers are absolutely adorable, both in their earnestness and their cluelessness. It reminds me ABSOLUTELY of Jane Austen's Emma and in all the best ways. It's a fall-in-love-with-your-best-friend story.
And did I mention it was cute? As a BUTTON.
The ghosts are subtle and have their own story, and I love the underscored idea that true love will always live on no matter what. The still-living lovers are absolutely adorable, both in their earnestness and their cluelessness. It reminds me ABSOLUTELY of Jane Austen's Emma and in all the best ways. It's a fall-in-love-with-your-best-friend story.
And did I mention it was cute? As a BUTTON.
January 7, 2012
This was a fun read with some great characters - Julian steals the show with style. In fact the ghosts had amazing chemistry as a couple. Fitz was naive and insecure and a little needy, which fit with his cloistered musical-genius upbringing. And the HFN ending was appropriate for his age and inexperience. Whimsical and interesting, and it didn't always go where I was expecting.
August 10, 2023
I did enjoy this overall. However these people are kind of horndogs with people other than who they aren’t going to end up with. Fitz doing things with Garrett, Ari keeps flirting with others (Charlie, etc.). Julian and Serge were great secondary characters. I loved their story and their antics.
I don’t really know why Fitz liked Garrett, but maybe that’s just because I have the benefit of seeing some of his crappy behavior. He just seemed like such a douchebag from the beginning to me. I thought maybe Fitz & Ari would end up together from early on, but the summary wasn’t really helpful in determining the final couple. I liked Ari better than Fitz most of the time. Maybe 4 out of 5 stars.
I don’t really know why Fitz liked Garrett, but maybe that’s just because I have the benefit of seeing some of his crappy behavior. He just seemed like such a douchebag from the beginning to me. I thought maybe Fitz & Ari would end up together from early on, but the summary wasn’t really helpful in determining the final couple. I liked Ari better than Fitz most of the time. Maybe 4 out of 5 stars.
February 21, 2018
Z.A Maxfield is a writer I enjoy reading. Sadly enough, this was not a winner for me. I feel it's a case of 'its not you, its me'. I couldn't stand the lack of maturity in Fitz Gaffany. He's the type of character I simply avoid. I just kept yearning for something so much better for Ari. No, I don't mind age differences or younger protagonists but this time around I was left cold. I loved the two spiritual beings but gosh both younger characters Fitz & Garret were down right annoying.
November 24, 2019
Poltergeist fantasia
I'm not one to idolize the lives of the one percent. No sympathy here for the spoiled rich boys. But the two ghosts, Julian and Serge, make this story light up like the strip in Las Vegas. The romance between two step brothers is just ordinary fare, but the ghost story is a precious stone that kept me reading to the end. Persist, you'll find out why.
I'm not one to idolize the lives of the one percent. No sympathy here for the spoiled rich boys. But the two ghosts, Julian and Serge, make this story light up like the strip in Las Vegas. The romance between two step brothers is just ordinary fare, but the ghost story is a precious stone that kept me reading to the end. Persist, you'll find out why.
September 1, 2020
Listened on audible escape. Didn’t love it - Fitz is a jerk and Ari deserves better, and there were some things that needed to be fleshed our more, while other things went wayyyy too long. Overall not bad but not a winner.
August 29, 2021
What a gorgeous story! It certainly didn't hurt that I lived in L.A. for 27 years or that I have my degree from a Conservatory, but I'm sure I would've found this delightful nonetheless. I'd love more about Fitz, even just a scene in a few years, but the ending is honestly perfect as it is.
September 11, 2011
This was a good book. A really good book. But not quite a great book. I'd probably rate it a 3.5, but I've rounded it to 4 because I loved some of the characters.
Fitz is 19 and a musical virtuoso. But he is also socially awkward and lonely. So when Garrett first starts to show interest, Fitz jumps at it. Things don't go so well, an he calls his former step-brother Ari for help. Oh and somewhere along the way, 2 ghost, Julien and Serge, a funny, sweet, charming gay couple from years gone by sort of adopt Fitz as their own.
The ghosts in this book are fantastic. Serge & Jullien are such great characters and very interesting. Fitz is also great, a boy stuck between teen angst and adult fear. Garrett is a little one note and flat. Ari is interesting, but still a mystery.
I guess the few loose threads and the two underdeveloped characters are what lost it stars, for me. I feel like this is actually a HFN (happy for now). I would like another book to see where the couple ends up.
Fitz is 19 and a musical virtuoso. But he is also socially awkward and lonely. So when Garrett first starts to show interest, Fitz jumps at it. Things don't go so well, an he calls his former step-brother Ari for help. Oh and somewhere along the way, 2 ghost, Julien and Serge, a funny, sweet, charming gay couple from years gone by sort of adopt Fitz as their own.
The ghosts in this book are fantastic. Serge & Jullien are such great characters and very interesting. Fitz is also great, a boy stuck between teen angst and adult fear. Garrett is a little one note and flat. Ari is interesting, but still a mystery.
I guess the few loose threads and the two underdeveloped characters are what lost it stars, for me. I feel like this is actually a HFN (happy for now). I would like another book to see where the couple ends up.
April 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this story more than I ever though I would. It is very unique and completely sweet. Fitz is 19 years old and practically alone for the first time. His mother is in France with her new husband and he is attending an arts university while she is away. He is basically a musical genius and has been playing his whole life. Though he is an expert at the piano, he greatly lacks social skills. He doesn't have friends and for the first time he feels lonely. He jumps at the chance of friendship with the first person who shows any interest in him, Garrett.
Fitz finds himself in a bad situation after going out with Garrett. He is helped out by two ghosts, Julian and Serge. They take Fitz under their wing and help steer him to a better life.
Ari, has always loved his ex-step brother Fitz. Though Fitz doesn't know it, Ari has always been a part of his life. When Fitz needs him after being deserted by Garrett, Ari is there.\
The characters in this book make the whole story. Not just Fitz and Ari, but Julian and Serge as well. Fitz is young, naive and desperately wants to be normal. Usually these types of characters begin to annoy me, but it works really well for his character. Ari has his life together, so it appears, but his desire to help Fitz is precious and his love for him is sweet. Julian and Serge's love story is heart melting. It is impossible not to love them.
Overall, this was a fun somewhat coming to age story since Fitz is still young and discovering himself. Who better to help you understand life then the dead!
I enjoyed this story more than I ever though I would. It is very unique and completely sweet. Fitz is 19 years old and practically alone for the first time. His mother is in France with her new husband and he is attending an arts university while she is away. He is basically a musical genius and has been playing his whole life. Though he is an expert at the piano, he greatly lacks social skills. He doesn't have friends and for the first time he feels lonely. He jumps at the chance of friendship with the first person who shows any interest in him, Garrett.
Fitz finds himself in a bad situation after going out with Garrett. He is helped out by two ghosts, Julian and Serge. They take Fitz under their wing and help steer him to a better life.
Ari, has always loved his ex-step brother Fitz. Though Fitz doesn't know it, Ari has always been a part of his life. When Fitz needs him after being deserted by Garrett, Ari is there.\
The characters in this book make the whole story. Not just Fitz and Ari, but Julian and Serge as well. Fitz is young, naive and desperately wants to be normal. Usually these types of characters begin to annoy me, but it works really well for his character. Ari has his life together, so it appears, but his desire to help Fitz is precious and his love for him is sweet. Julian and Serge's love story is heart melting. It is impossible not to love them.
Overall, this was a fun somewhat coming to age story since Fitz is still young and discovering himself. Who better to help you understand life then the dead!
December 31, 2016
Fitz is a 19-year-old boy who’s been overprotected all his life and now he’s “alone” for the first time. I put quotations marks around the word alone because Fitz isn’t that alone at all, he has his former step brother Ari who looks out for him as well as a couple of friendly ghosts, Julian and Serge.
This book could have been a better reading experience for me if it hadn’t been for Fitz being so childish - in the inexperienced and stupid way. It was sometimes hard to believe that he was 19! He was looking for love in all the wrong places and couldn’t see what was right in front of him: Ari. The latter had been in love with Fitz for reasons I couldn’t quite understand, for years, and he’s – of course – Prince Charming in this story.
The best part to me was, however, the wonderful ghosts, Julian and Serge, and their love story. They could come and live at my place any time, I promise that I’d never call Ghost Busters on them!
This book could have been a better reading experience for me if it hadn’t been for Fitz being so childish - in the inexperienced and stupid way. It was sometimes hard to believe that he was 19! He was looking for love in all the wrong places and couldn’t see what was right in front of him: Ari. The latter had been in love with Fitz for reasons I couldn’t quite understand, for years, and he’s – of course – Prince Charming in this story.
The best part to me was, however, the wonderful ghosts, Julian and Serge, and their love story. They could come and live at my place any time, I promise that I’d never call Ghost Busters on them!
October 11, 2012
this was a really fun and enjoyable read, but i had some major issues:
- we see way too much of garrett!
- sometimes fitz was really tstl
- ari is too forgiving and accepting
- the thugs? unbelievable. funny, but really not realistic. (though i loved julian and serge creating chaos :D)
plus, i would have liked to see more of julian and serge when they were alive - maybe with a few flashbacks to see things more at length and from their pov. it would have been interesting.
it's meant to be fun, light-hearted and romantic read, so don't expect angst, somebody coming out or big fallouts between the characters.
that said, it was fun and i found myself smiling several times, and it's a great read for when you're sick as a dog (as i am) ;)
- we see way too much of garrett!
- sometimes fitz was really tstl
- ari is too forgiving and accepting
- the thugs? unbelievable. funny, but really not realistic. (though i loved julian and serge creating chaos :D)
plus, i would have liked to see more of julian and serge when they were alive - maybe with a few flashbacks to see things more at length and from their pov. it would have been interesting.
it's meant to be fun, light-hearted and romantic read, so don't expect angst, somebody coming out or big fallouts between the characters.
that said, it was fun and i found myself smiling several times, and it's a great read for when you're sick as a dog (as i am) ;)
July 3, 2014
A sweet little romance story.
I loved Fitz to pieces but that didn't stop me from wanting to shake him at times. I'm afraid he did border on whinny and childish at times. Mostly when Ari was saving the day.
Ari is one of those perfect characters. There was nothing I didn't love about him. Smart, sexy, fun and drop dead gorgeous but with a vulnerable side when it came to Fitz.
Garrett is the typical slime ball we can all see, except for poor Fitz, who just keeps trying to see the good in him.
Serge and Julian were a major part of my enjoyment in this book. They were such fun but oh so tragic when you hear their tale.
Overall a delightful story that hit quite a few of my like buttons.
I loved Fitz to pieces but that didn't stop me from wanting to shake him at times. I'm afraid he did border on whinny and childish at times. Mostly when Ari was saving the day.
Ari is one of those perfect characters. There was nothing I didn't love about him. Smart, sexy, fun and drop dead gorgeous but with a vulnerable side when it came to Fitz.
Garrett is the typical slime ball we can all see, except for poor Fitz, who just keeps trying to see the good in him.
Serge and Julian were a major part of my enjoyment in this book. They were such fun but oh so tragic when you hear their tale.
Overall a delightful story that hit quite a few of my like buttons.
November 8, 2011
3.5
Serge and Julian, secondary characters in this story, were such a delight to read about...their love, their verve, sweet mannerisms, and the heartbreaking way their lives ended. I never felt this good about ghosts before :) Wanted more of them.
The main story didn't keep me as enraptured, which I primarily blame on Garret (ick!).
Could a girl hope that ZAM would write a story about Serge and Julian someday?
Serge and Julian, secondary characters in this story, were such a delight to read about...their love, their verve, sweet mannerisms, and the heartbreaking way their lives ended. I never felt this good about ghosts before :) Wanted more of them.
The main story didn't keep me as enraptured, which I primarily blame on Garret (ick!).
Could a girl hope that ZAM would write a story about Serge and Julian someday?
July 25, 2011
3.5 stars. Good paranormal m/m romance about a 19-year old pianist who's brilliant musically, but very naive interpersonally. Then some well-meaning ghosts move in and start "helping" him with his social life...
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