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8 Million Hearts #1
Adam's Song
They say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But when have I ever let that stop me?
Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented. We moved to New York after college to break into the music business and of course Ben got signed by a major label—they’d be stupid not to want him. But even though he’s a famous popstar now, he still wants to be friends with a nobody like me. Honestly, if he didn’t want me falling for him, he should have been less goddamn perfect.
Well, except for the part where he’s straight. Did I forget to mention that?
In my defense, responsible decision-making has never been my strong suit. Case in point—collapsing on stage, guitar in hand, after discovering my then-boyfriend, now-ex was cheating on me, and downing a bottle of bourbon in response. But I’m cleaning up my act—no more hiding in the closet and no more bad life choices. But that also means no more waiting around for the day Ben magically decides he likes di…sgustingly sappy guys with secret crushes on him (aka, me).
So why did Ben have to pick now to make me question everything I thought I knew about us?
“I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now. When I see you, something inside me lights up.”
Ben: It’s not like I planned this. I was on tour when Adam collapsed back in New York and he wouldn’t even let me come home early to visit him. But that’s Adam for you—brilliant, breathtaking, and pathologically afraid of vulnerability. All I wanted was to be there for him—and him coming out didn’t change that in the slightest. Yeah, I couldn’t help seeing him a little differently. And no, I couldn’t quite explain why I was suddenly noticing the curve of his back, the freckles on his cheeks, or wondering what his lips tasted like. But whatever weird awakening I was having, Adam needed support, not more confusion.
And then I kissed him. Whoops.
And I know it’s fast. I know it’s unexpected. I know my label would be livid if they found out I was dating a guy. But I also know—deeply and inexplicably—that this could be something real. I just have to convince Adam of the same thing. Beautiful, broken Adam who looks at the world through 14 layers of irony. Adam, who’d rather get an appendectomy than admit that he needs someone. Adam, who still doesn’t know all of my secrets.
So do I convince him to risk everything—on me?
Adam’s Song is Book 1 in the 8 Million Hearts series. While each book can be read on its own, they've even more fun to read together. Adam’s Song is a 110,000 word m/m romance full of snark, sweetness, and a healthy serving of steam. Friends-to-lovers and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented. We moved to New York after college to break into the music business and of course Ben got signed by a major label—they’d be stupid not to want him. But even though he’s a famous popstar now, he still wants to be friends with a nobody like me. Honestly, if he didn’t want me falling for him, he should have been less goddamn perfect.
Well, except for the part where he’s straight. Did I forget to mention that?
In my defense, responsible decision-making has never been my strong suit. Case in point—collapsing on stage, guitar in hand, after discovering my then-boyfriend, now-ex was cheating on me, and downing a bottle of bourbon in response. But I’m cleaning up my act—no more hiding in the closet and no more bad life choices. But that also means no more waiting around for the day Ben magically decides he likes di…sgustingly sappy guys with secret crushes on him (aka, me).
So why did Ben have to pick now to make me question everything I thought I knew about us?
“I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now. When I see you, something inside me lights up.”
Ben: It’s not like I planned this. I was on tour when Adam collapsed back in New York and he wouldn’t even let me come home early to visit him. But that’s Adam for you—brilliant, breathtaking, and pathologically afraid of vulnerability. All I wanted was to be there for him—and him coming out didn’t change that in the slightest. Yeah, I couldn’t help seeing him a little differently. And no, I couldn’t quite explain why I was suddenly noticing the curve of his back, the freckles on his cheeks, or wondering what his lips tasted like. But whatever weird awakening I was having, Adam needed support, not more confusion.
And then I kissed him. Whoops.
And I know it’s fast. I know it’s unexpected. I know my label would be livid if they found out I was dating a guy. But I also know—deeply and inexplicably—that this could be something real. I just have to convince Adam of the same thing. Beautiful, broken Adam who looks at the world through 14 layers of irony. Adam, who’d rather get an appendectomy than admit that he needs someone. Adam, who still doesn’t know all of my secrets.
So do I convince him to risk everything—on me?
Adam’s Song is Book 1 in the 8 Million Hearts series. While each book can be read on its own, they've even more fun to read together. Adam’s Song is a 110,000 word m/m romance full of snark, sweetness, and a healthy serving of steam. Friends-to-lovers and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
508 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2017
376 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Spears
44 books442 followersSpencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 12, 2017
I really liked the best-friends-to-lovers trope, the bi for you, the sizzling sexy times, Ben, Ben's awesome family, Adam's supportive sister, and the various secondary characters, especially Gray the bar owner and Mia the pop star.
Adam, however, is another story. Adam, Adam, Adam . . . I don't even know, you guys. He was in his 20s but read like a kid, a poorly adjusted 13 year old. He was so out of touch with his feelings, it would have been hilarious if it weren't so damn frustrating.
Adam says Eww and Gross when discussing ANYTHING and everything. He says it about emotions; he says it about sex. He says it about blow jobs. He runs away when he finds out that Ben, GASP!, tried to help him. I mean, how dare he?
I may still have given this story 4 stars had it not been for: various typos (including some pretty glaring grammatical issues) and having to sign up for a mailing list to get the epilogue.
I'm signed up for all kinds of author lists, and I really don't mind, but Spencer Spears asks you to sign up for her list EVERY. DAMN. TIME. you finish one of her books. I'm already signed up; why can't she include the link to the freebie in an email? Why do I have to sign up time and again for something that really should just be included in the book? It's a huge PITA and makes me super grumpy.
Adam, however, is another story. Adam, Adam, Adam . . . I don't even know, you guys. He was in his 20s but read like a kid, a poorly adjusted 13 year old. He was so out of touch with his feelings, it would have been hilarious if it weren't so damn frustrating.
Adam says Eww and Gross when discussing ANYTHING and everything. He says it about emotions; he says it about sex. He says it about blow jobs. He runs away when he finds out that Ben, GASP!, tried to help him. I mean, how dare he?
I may still have given this story 4 stars had it not been for: various typos (including some pretty glaring grammatical issues) and having to sign up for a mailing list to get the epilogue.
I'm signed up for all kinds of author lists, and I really don't mind, but Spencer Spears asks you to sign up for her list EVERY. DAMN. TIME. you finish one of her books. I'm already signed up; why can't she include the link to the freebie in an email? Why do I have to sign up time and again for something that really should just be included in the book? It's a huge PITA and makes me super grumpy.
December 8, 2017
Cuando me metí en esto sabía lo que podía esperar. Y la verdad, durante la primera parte del libro disfruté, me gustaban los protagonistas, es dulce, que es lo que me apetecía y aunque lleno de clichés, me estaba resultando muy muy entretenido. Sin embargo, ya en la segunda parte empecé a estar molesta con conversaciones que se repetían, expresiones (debe haber 300.000 "like"), la historia se alargaba y alargaba y ya no estaba tan entretenida, que básicamente era el máximo valor que en mi opinión podía ofrecer el libro...
3 siendo generosa.
3 siendo generosa.
September 23, 2017
This is a fabulous friends to lovers romance which - like toffee sauce down the side of an ice cream sundae - brings a little drizzle of sweetness to a sharp bite.
While this is truly sweet at times, there is also an edge to the friendship between Adam and Ben which is caused by quite realistically depicted anxieties and fears on the part of Adam and a slow dawning that his feelings for his best friend might be a bit more from Ben.
There is a proper slow burn to this one too, it's a long book but every bit of the story felt necessary and earnt its place in the narrative.
When the smexy times come they just add the sprinkles on top as Ben fully embraces his newly developing feelings. Virgin sex is handled with care and with plenty of emotionally driven feelings.
The world building is excellent too and I'm looking forward to finding out more about the secondary characters which help prop up the narrative in this one.
#ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
While this is truly sweet at times, there is also an edge to the friendship between Adam and Ben which is caused by quite realistically depicted anxieties and fears on the part of Adam and a slow dawning that his feelings for his best friend might be a bit more from Ben.
There is a proper slow burn to this one too, it's a long book but every bit of the story felt necessary and earnt its place in the narrative.
When the smexy times come they just add the sprinkles on top as Ben fully embraces his newly developing feelings. Virgin sex is handled with care and with plenty of emotionally driven feelings.
The world building is excellent too and I'm looking forward to finding out more about the secondary characters which help prop up the narrative in this one.
#ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is an engrossing friends to lovers romance where the heroes have wonderful personal journeys as well as finding each other as a couple.
Adam struggles with anxiety and coming out and Ben is trying to find his way out of the kind of fame he has as pop star.
Seeing Adam get what he has always wanted Ben and still struggle is refreshing. Ben's rethinking yet easy love of Adam is great.
We have a wonderful cast here as well. Some of the outside conflicts like Ben's awful dad and a freak
Ben has are less effective but that don't take up too much page space.
A pleasure of a read.
This is an engrossing friends to lovers romance where the heroes have wonderful personal journeys as well as finding each other as a couple.
Adam struggles with anxiety and coming out and Ben is trying to find his way out of the kind of fame he has as pop star.
Seeing Adam get what he has always wanted Ben and still struggle is refreshing. Ben's rethinking yet easy love of Adam is great.
We have a wonderful cast here as well. Some of the outside conflicts like Ben's awful dad and a freak
Ben has are less effective but that don't take up too much page space.
A pleasure of a read.
June 5, 2017
**I received an ARC copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review**
I have read a lot of Spencer Spear's in the past and have yet to find one that is nothing short of exceptional. Adam's Song does not disappoint... without a doubt in my mind the characters of Adam and Ben are the best characters she has created to date. The two are both so multifaceted yet flawed that they read as totally true and genuine. The author hooked me totally the minute she had fully introduced the two. I thought the whole friends to lovers aspect was well done and realistic. I admit that I quickly fell for Adam due to the many similarities between him and myself. I have to say that the switching perspective from one to the other MC each chapter worked particularly well in this book. I found the overall story line to be believable, though I do think that if the entire book had taken place in Ben's apartment it would still have been a awesome read due to the strength of the two main characters. There were many points in the book where I cried; several where I laughed loudly. I feel the supporting characters are well utilized and also well-developed.
In one of my updates while reading this book I stated that in my well be one of the best gay romances I have ever read. That still holds true now that I have finished the entire book. I am sure I will be rereading this book again in the near future... and Adam and Ben will be stuck in my head for a very long time.
I have read a lot of Spencer Spear's in the past and have yet to find one that is nothing short of exceptional. Adam's Song does not disappoint... without a doubt in my mind the characters of Adam and Ben are the best characters she has created to date. The two are both so multifaceted yet flawed that they read as totally true and genuine. The author hooked me totally the minute she had fully introduced the two. I thought the whole friends to lovers aspect was well done and realistic. I admit that I quickly fell for Adam due to the many similarities between him and myself. I have to say that the switching perspective from one to the other MC each chapter worked particularly well in this book. I found the overall story line to be believable, though I do think that if the entire book had taken place in Ben's apartment it would still have been a awesome read due to the strength of the two main characters. There were many points in the book where I cried; several where I laughed loudly. I feel the supporting characters are well utilized and also well-developed.
In one of my updates while reading this book I stated that in my well be one of the best gay romances I have ever read. That still holds true now that I have finished the entire book. I am sure I will be rereading this book again in the near future... and Adam and Ben will be stuck in my head for a very long time.
September 11, 2019
Adam's Song was SUCH a good book! I devoured this story in a matter of days, sneaking it in every chance I got because I just couldn't let them go until I knew what happened! Adam and Ben are the perfect couple! This best-friends-to-lovers rockstar romance hits you right in the feels! Sweet, sexy, and addictive! Five BEN & ADAM ARE MY SWEETHEARTS stars!!
June 12, 2017
Well, this author certainly has a distinct voice. Normally, that's a good thing. But not when that voice is then every single character's voice in the book. Not every speaks in the same syntax and, jfc, it was annoying. And like, they all like, sounded like 12-year old girls with like, big words thrown in to sound smart. Like. Just no. Diversify your characters. They all had the same snarky personality. No one was unique. I forced myself to finish, though I don't know why. There wasn't anything compelling here.
December 13, 2018
Overall book rating: 3.7 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: .... It's very ... blue....
Okey ...... I absolutely loved the first part of this story. I loved the characters and the history between the main characters, and just the way it made me feel until .....
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: .... It's very ... blue....
Okey ...... I absolutely loved the first part of this story. I loved the characters and the history between the main characters, and just the way it made me feel until .....
July 20, 2021
DNF-ing at 64%
i didnt enjoy the writing style, i find my engagement in the story lukewarm at best and after i put it down and opened an actually good story/book i just lost interest all together.
i didnt enjoy the writing style, i find my engagement in the story lukewarm at best and after i put it down and opened an actually good story/book i just lost interest all together.
September 17, 2021
While nearly everything Spencer Spears writes is enjoyable, Adam’s Song, Book 1 in the Million Hearts series, was just a little too long and had just a little too much angst for me. There’s no question that Adam and Ben are likable characters and it was definitely the two of them that held my attention.
Unfortunately the audiobook version isn’t helped by Michael Fell’s narration. In so many sections he seemed simply to read the story, with little or no attention to varying his vocal tone or inflection to distinguish among the many characters Spears has created.
Bottom line: Neither the best nor the worst of audiobooks.
Unfortunately the audiobook version isn’t helped by Michael Fell’s narration. In so many sections he seemed simply to read the story, with little or no attention to varying his vocal tone or inflection to distinguish among the many characters Spears has created.
Bottom line: Neither the best nor the worst of audiobooks.
June 7, 2017
4.75 stars
**I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest opinion**
Adam's Song is a friends to lover's story that shows love can be right under your nose. Adam and Ben have been best friends for seven years. Adam has fantasied about Ben being more than his BFF. But Adam knows that nothing will come to fruition. But Ben has his own fantasies.
**I received an ARC copy of this book in return for my honest opinion**
Adam's Song is a friends to lover's story that shows love can be right under your nose. Adam and Ben have been best friends for seven years. Adam has fantasied about Ben being more than his BFF. But Adam knows that nothing will come to fruition. But Ben has his own fantasies.
September 4, 2022
Cute and heartwarming.
June 6, 2017
*** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review***
This was good, so very good. What a great start for a new series.
Adam and Ben have been best friends for seven years, starting when they were roommates in college. Both of them are incredibly talented, Ben with his stage presence and his voice, and Adam with his ability to play any instrument and his song writing ability. Ben soars to new heights with his new pop star celebrity, while Adam struggles with anxiety and being out on stage with another band.
After a very public breakup with his first boyfriend, Adam makes an incredibly stupid decision that lands him in the hospital, scaring the crap out of Ben and Adam’s sister, Esther. After spending a month away at a facility, figuring out how not to talk about his feelings – like how he’s been in love with his straight, best friend for years – Adam is released, only to find out he has nowhere to go. Luckily for him, Ben is back from his world tour and just happens to have a spare bedroom. That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?
This worked for me on so many different levels. I loved both of these guys. Adam had a sarcastic, “allergic to feelings” hard coating on his outside that hid a deep hurt, stemming from his upbringing with two rich, self-centered parents. That hurt caused a lot of anxiety for him, hampering his interactions and ambitions in life, keeping him from reaching out to others. Ben was just the opposite. He was just one of those nice guys that is so authentic that he draws people to him. His family might have been middle class, but their love and support of him made him have this huge heart that wanted to help everyone that he could. He was exactly what Adam needed and vice versa.
You would think that being so different wouldn’t make things work between these two, but oh, they worked so well together. Their bantering was one of my favorite parts of the story, and there’s a wonderful amount of it throughout it. It’s not forced or contrived. Adam’s sarcastic comments and Ben’s ability to go along with them made it fun and laugh-out-loud enjoyment for me. I lost track of the number of highlights I made of my favorite parts because I knew that I would want to go back and reread them, they were that funny. It was a pleasure reading and watching them navigate their way together. I loved the slow process of Ben discovering his feelings and the two of them reaching out for each other.
The secondary characters stand out as well. Ben’s family is like a warm, cuddly blanket. Esther, Adam’s sister, is his only saving grace from that horrible family. But it’s Nick and Gray, two of their friends who are the supportive voices of reason that Adam and Ben need. And if I read things correctly, might even have stories of their own in future books in this series. I can’t wait to read each of their stories as well , and hopefully we’ll get to check in on Adam and Ben, too, because I definitely can’t get enough of these two great characters.
This was good, so very good. What a great start for a new series.
Adam and Ben have been best friends for seven years, starting when they were roommates in college. Both of them are incredibly talented, Ben with his stage presence and his voice, and Adam with his ability to play any instrument and his song writing ability. Ben soars to new heights with his new pop star celebrity, while Adam struggles with anxiety and being out on stage with another band.
After a very public breakup with his first boyfriend, Adam makes an incredibly stupid decision that lands him in the hospital, scaring the crap out of Ben and Adam’s sister, Esther. After spending a month away at a facility, figuring out how not to talk about his feelings – like how he’s been in love with his straight, best friend for years – Adam is released, only to find out he has nowhere to go. Luckily for him, Ben is back from his world tour and just happens to have a spare bedroom. That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?
This worked for me on so many different levels. I loved both of these guys. Adam had a sarcastic, “allergic to feelings” hard coating on his outside that hid a deep hurt, stemming from his upbringing with two rich, self-centered parents. That hurt caused a lot of anxiety for him, hampering his interactions and ambitions in life, keeping him from reaching out to others. Ben was just the opposite. He was just one of those nice guys that is so authentic that he draws people to him. His family might have been middle class, but their love and support of him made him have this huge heart that wanted to help everyone that he could. He was exactly what Adam needed and vice versa.
You would think that being so different wouldn’t make things work between these two, but oh, they worked so well together. Their bantering was one of my favorite parts of the story, and there’s a wonderful amount of it throughout it. It’s not forced or contrived. Adam’s sarcastic comments and Ben’s ability to go along with them made it fun and laugh-out-loud enjoyment for me. I lost track of the number of highlights I made of my favorite parts because I knew that I would want to go back and reread them, they were that funny. It was a pleasure reading and watching them navigate their way together. I loved the slow process of Ben discovering his feelings and the two of them reaching out for each other.
The secondary characters stand out as well. Ben’s family is like a warm, cuddly blanket. Esther, Adam’s sister, is his only saving grace from that horrible family. But it’s Nick and Gray, two of their friends who are the supportive voices of reason that Adam and Ben need. And if I read things correctly, might even have stories of their own in future books in this series. I can’t wait to read each of their stories as well , and hopefully we’ll get to check in on Adam and Ben, too, because I definitely can’t get enough of these two great characters.
June 28, 2017
"It’s always been you. For forever.”
3.5 stars. This is a sweet, low angst, easy read and I enjoyed reading it!
Ben and Adam have been best friends since college (although Adam has had a secret crush on Ben the whole time). They are both musicians. Ben is signed with a major label and become a cookie cut pop star and Adam has been doing a few gigs to support his genuine passion which is writing music for other artists.
Adam has been dating his 'manager' Ellis for a few months and one evening at a gig its revealed that Ellis has been cheating on him all along and Adam takes a handful of pills with copious amounts of alcohol and collapses and stops breathing on stage.
"I… I like you so much there aren’t actually words for it."
Adam subsequently spends a month in Peachtree - a rehab facility. Upon leaving Peachtree he goes to stay with Ben who is coming to the end of his contract with his record label and just wants to go independent and do his own thing.
'There’s nothing sexy about saying we fit together like Legos, or those twirly little wrenches and sockets you use when you’re putting together IKEA furniture. But we did.'
When Adam starts spending time with his new friend from rehab Nick, Ben starts to feel jealous and his friend Gray points out to him that it sounds like he has feelings for Adam.
I loved Ben! He's so sweet and understanding and just adores Adam and wants to do anything he can to help and support him. Now I liked Adam but at times he frustrated me. I understand how rubbish his childhood was and I felt really sorry for him particularly when we met his asshole of a father but he was just SO immature at times and constantly deflected any conversation about emotions, feelings and sex and to be honest it just got on my nerves a bit.
Secondary characters were awesome in this book! I loved Bens family and their friends Gray and Nick. Also Bens 'fake girlfriend' Mia and Adams sister Esther. They were all really well developed and added a lot to this story.
Now I mainly marked this book down because there was no Epilogue which drives me nuts! And the only way to get one was to sign up for it which I don't think is fair as it should come with the book in my opinion.
Looking forward to the next book in this series and seeing which characters it will feature!
Reviewed by Lulu from Alpha Book Club 
October 16, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn't expect at all to be as engrossed as I was in the relationship. I really liked all the characters, the self actualization, self awareness, self betterment that gets worked on or worked through. I liked the realistic conversations that weren't perfect and had mid teens to 20's idiosyncrasies that are hard to get rid of, like, "like". I liked the banter between Ben and Adam and the side characters were well rounded and purposeful.
I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Adam and his sister, especially the coming out discussion. I felt like the author missed an opportunity for us to see even more into Adam and to get to know more about Esther as well.
The book did take a few detours that were not well fleshed out and seemed to simply come to a deadend that felt like it left the reader questioning the purpose of the interaction. I have not read the follow up piece, maybe some of that is in there but it seemed to take the book off track a time or two which is why I dropped it down a star.
I would have liked to have seen more interaction between Adam and his sister, especially the coming out discussion. I felt like the author missed an opportunity for us to see even more into Adam and to get to know more about Esther as well.
The book did take a few detours that were not well fleshed out and seemed to simply come to a deadend that felt like it left the reader questioning the purpose of the interaction. I have not read the follow up piece, maybe some of that is in there but it seemed to take the book off track a time or two which is why I dropped it down a star.
June 11, 2017
Adam's Song (8 Million Hearts Book 1)
This was such a sweet story. Friends to lovers, GFY all in one.
One of those lazy Sunday afternoon stories for sure, nothing wrong with those.
What felt wrong with this one though, for me, was the way they speak. That might be either a generational issue or that English is not my first language BUT all those sentences with all those many, many 'like' thrown in there... probably the effect intended was to add to the youthfulness of it all but man, talk about annoying. Kept me from really getting into it.
Still a sweet story. Will definitely check the next one ^^
This was such a sweet story. Friends to lovers, GFY all in one.
One of those lazy Sunday afternoon stories for sure, nothing wrong with those.
What felt wrong with this one though, for me, was the way they speak. That might be either a generational issue or that English is not my first language BUT all those sentences with all those many, many 'like' thrown in there... probably the effect intended was to add to the youthfulness of it all but man, talk about annoying. Kept me from really getting into it.
Still a sweet story. Will definitely check the next one ^^
April 14, 2022
My like of Adam decreased as the story went on. His actions don't back up his words about how he feels about Ben. I would have rated this higher is Adam's actions didn't make him seem like a petulant teenager at times. Ben was a sweetheart throughout the story. I liked the side characters as well and will likely read their stories at some point in the future. I usually really like friends-lovers trope, but this one fell a bit flat for me.
December 27, 2019
Cute story. I liked the writing and some scenes were really lovely.
The main thing I didn't particularly like was that the "drama/problem" was futile and not very believable.
But overall I really enjoyed it.
The main thing I didn't particularly like was that the "drama/problem" was futile and not very believable.
But overall I really enjoyed it.
Read
March 4, 2018I’m about 40/50% of the way in and I think I’m going to stop. Just can’t get into this. Adam is too whiny and nothing is happening.
September 23, 2020
QUITE long but fairly compelling.
July 9, 2020
ADAM'S SONG
SPENCER SPEARS
DO YOU WANT TO FEEL YOUR HEART BREAK…IN EVERY WAY THAT IS GOOD ?
YA...this book will do that FOR YOU.
And, that's a great feeling! You definitely won't want to miss!
It will turn you inside out...in every possible good way there is.
Ya...that's exactly what this book will do for you...
PICTURE THIS: It's a very "dark and stormy night." (*Edward Bulwer-Lytton, "Paul Clifford") I hadn't noticed how dark the room had gotten until I turned to set my tumbler of hot tea on the table next to my reclining chair. I climb in, lay back, pull up my soft and oh so cozy, most comforting, lapghan of brown suede panels on one side and soft curly tan wool on the other. Next, I set my precious little pets on my chest underneath the cozy lapghan and open up my eReader.
My little pets are all warm and cozy, purring on my chest. Only, I can't hear them, I know they are because I can feel the vibrations. The wind is whipping, so strongly, that the fireplace flue is loudly rattling. And, the hail is hitting so hard, against the loose window glass, that besides the loud thumping, you can almost feel them as they shudder. There are flashes of lightning and clashes of thunder, ever so often, also.
And I've never felt more comforted...
At least, that's what I think until I read the very first words of a new "ARC" I've volunteered to read:
"The first thing you need to know is that it wasn’t a suicide attempt."
That's when my shoulders give off an eerie little shudder. (Huh?)
"Oooh," I think..."What a perfect opening line that was..."
Yes, that's exactly how it happened, my introduction to SPENCER SPEARS latest novel "ADAM'S SONG."
REALLY!!! Well...Except it was a dark and stormy 'late afternoon.' But, whose nit picking?
The book's synopsis, which is reiterated by previous reviewers, tells you exactly what this book is about. My review takes a slightly different angle...
Makes me wonder who the author knows or, maybe more appropriately, what was studied in college. There is more than just "exquisite" research, for a book, that's gone on here. This is almost like first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of music (music theory) and the music industry. And, more importantly, the extreme complexities of ADAM'S inner torment. The author shows such a detailed understanding of the human psyche that seems to come from more than mere "research." Again, the knowledge it would take not only to be able to write so comprehensively and very detailedly about ADAM's psychoses (plural of psychosis) but, also, write with such an ability that enables us to understand exactly WHY, HOW and WHAT ADAM's suffering with, and going through.
🖤For your convenience, if you don't want a lot of details, you can cut to the paragraphs with this heart symbol. It will give you a quicker wrap-up.🖤
Believe me, "PSYCHOSES" is the correct word. Besides having "crippling stage fright," ADAM has a deep seated "fear-of-emotions." A deep seated "fear-of-needing." A deep seated "fear-of-being-weak." A deep seated "fear-of-not-being-good-enough." These are only the most prevalent of his turmoils and, all of these are about EVERY aspect of his daily life, NOT JUST in the music industry.
And yet, that chaotic brain of ADAM's is the same one that makes him feel (Oops! Feelings? Oh no!) "like musical instruments always 'feel' alive to me and each one has its own personality." He says it's almost like his body is part of the instrument when he's playing, and when it's being "played-well," he feels like he's swelling and filling with the notes that his fingers are drawing from the air. And, FOR ONCE, he FEELS LIKE HE BELONGS.
🖤ADAM can play nearly any instrument he sees.
BEN IS ALWAYS IN AWE, truly astounded, of ADAM's musical genius.
After only seeing it played once, ADAM can literally sit down and play it, himself.
BEN says, “Holy shit.”
"You hear just a snatch of a melody and you can build a whole song around it. In 15 minutes.”
🖤It's sincerely astounding not only how much this author put into this character's persona but, also, how well she "plays" him. You would think with all his neuroses, that Adam would be a terrible read. A real downer. Not so. Just Sooo Not So...
🖤Every angsty moment, with ADAM, is truly…RIVETING.
And, then we have BEN, the star of ALL of ADAM's fantasies, for over 7 years. They have been best friends since college where, BEN and ADAM, both studied music. Now, ADAM mainly writes the music and BEN mainly writes the words and does most of the singing/performing. Not that they both aren't talented enough for each of them to do both tasks equally well. They just seem to have found their niche that they prefer, when it comes to making the music they both so love and, it works out well for them. Except, BEN was the one that was "DISCOVERED." Not ADAM. Even though ADAM made the music that was partially responsible for BEN being discovered. Seems to make the most sense though, seeing as how BEN did do most of the performing, he liked to sing, not so much so for ADAM-right? Only BEN's truly, sweetly, honest soul, hated "being discovered."
It wasn't the real him. He wanted to be himself and perform his (and ADAM's) music. Wasn't that why they'd "discovered" him in the first place? Nooo...They "discovered" him because they saw "someone" they could turn into a "money-machine." They weren't interested in his current image, or his music, at all.
And, it was the industry's "version" of him (the one his record-label carefully crafted to sell to "teenage kids/fans") that all these kids were "falling-in-love" with. And, BEN hated even that amount, and type, of dishonesty.
Yet, he never once let on to the kids, how he felt. He treated every single one of them with the utmost kindness and respect. He would even include the parents, if they were with their children, in the conversation he'd be having with their kids, out of respect. No, he couldn't blame them for not knowing that IT WASN'T REALLY HIM they cared about but, some fake person that didn't really exist. No...it wasn't their fault.
When BEN first signed with the label, he fought very hard to make sure that at least, SOME of the music he and ADAM wrote together, got put onto his debut album. After that, though, they completely dominated him. Took him over and turned him into the teen-idol he now was. As ADAM put it "Ben Kowalski, my best friend, was run through their popstar production machine and extruded out the other side in perfect, cookie-cutter fashion as Ben Thomas."
They provided his teenage music, that he was to perform. They also provided his clothes, his entire "look," his apartment, his furniture, his car, his food, his drink, his exercise (including trainer), his interview wording, even his fake girlfriend! The label controlled every-and I do mean EVERY-aspect and every minute of his life. They even told him WHEN to go to his own (actually the label's) apartment. They would even walk right in on him, whenever they felt like it, because it was really their apartment, after all. And, even when he DID leave his apartment, for personal reasons, he had to go incognito. He was always recognized, though. Yet, never once, did he let anyone think they were inconveniencing him by stopping him and asking for "selfies" or autographs.
🖤Even with all his fame BEN, was still, so sweet and humble. He even insists that his donations to charity organizations be given anonymously. He feels, to know it came from him, was synonymous to "bragging."
Why then, you would ask, would such a sweet and honest person like BEN put up with all this music business that he hates? Even with the awesome amount of money he's paid, he feels it's just NOT WORTH IT. Especially with all he was expected to do or more especially, with WHO he was expected TO BE.
The answer...is a beautiful and vivacious but sadly, disabled, younger sister. She needs nearly constant medical care, and one surgery after yet another surgery, not only now but, will ALWAYS be needing more into the future, yet to come. He figures his discomfort is worth it to be able to ensure his baby sister will always be taken care of. A.L.W.A.Y.S.
🖤Again, you would think the personality BEN has would make him boring. Of course, NOT SO! BEN may the rock in everyone's life but, he is also, the light. When he walks into a room it automatically becomes brighter. And this has nothing to do with his fame. It has always been this way and long before he ever found fame. He has this wonderful way of making everyone feel important to him. Scratch that...not just important "to him" but, just plain ol' important!
🖤But then, while on tour in Japan, BEN had the SCARE-OF-HIS-LIFE! ADAM DIED! And no, this is NOT a "SPOILER." ADAM's heart had stopped, and thus he collapsed, while he was performing on stage-as he always sooo hated to do. He was revived and, of course, ambulanced to a hospital. That's when BEN, truly realized, that he would be horribly lost without ADAM. Once BEN comes to the realization that he is in love with ADAM and probably has been for years, there was no stopping him-he was all in. His love for ADAM grew exponentially stronger every day. And yet, it seems the stronger BEN's love becomes the more ADAM begins to think it can't be real. There's no way a well adjusted, put together guy like BEN could love a mal-adjusted, screwed up guy like ADAM.
🖤And that is the beginning of a true awakening, upon many levels, for both of these men. BEN on the road to reality of his wanting, and needing, to having ADAM by his side...among a couple of other things, which I won't mention because they truly would be "spoilers." ADAM on the long, long road to acceptance of not only someone else's love, no matter how many years he'd dreamed of having BEN love him but, the road of accepting his own love for himself.
🖤But, these two together are perfect. They give each other balance. They easily play off of one another after nearly a decade of being very close friends. They know what makes each other tick. They know what sets the other off. And , they know what to do to make each other laugh.
🖤BEN and ADAM are a RIOT together. They've both got such a cock-eyed sense of humor.
🖤I was waiting for someone to mention that when something happens, in a relationship, or goes wrong, couples TALK things out. They don't just say "Well, that's it, l'm out of here." But, they didn't. Instead they said, in the words of a very wise man-well, make that 2 very wise men in this book...
🖤"Adam, loving people, needing people—that doesn’t make you weak.
🖤It makes you human.”
🖤Take a chance on love.
🖤Takin a chance on BEN and ADAM.
🖤PS - "ADAM'S SONG" has a very sweet and tender EPILOGUE, "ALL I NEED," also. So, don't forget to access it at the end of the book.
I SOOO ENJOOOYED READING THE "ARC" (ADVANCE READER COPY) OF THIS BOOK "ADAM'S SONG," FROM THE AUTHOR "SPENCER SPEARS," THAT I AM FREELY, AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY, VOLUNTEERING TO WRITE THIS REVIEW BECAUSE I HONESTLY HOPE TO ENCOURAGE OTHER READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH EITHER THIS GENRE, OR THIS AUTHOR, TO TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND GIVE IT A TRY...I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
MTULIPK
SPENCER SPEARS
DO YOU WANT TO FEEL YOUR HEART BREAK…IN EVERY WAY THAT IS GOOD ?
YA...this book will do that FOR YOU.
And, that's a great feeling! You definitely won't want to miss!
It will turn you inside out...in every possible good way there is.
Ya...that's exactly what this book will do for you...
PICTURE THIS: It's a very "dark and stormy night." (*Edward Bulwer-Lytton, "Paul Clifford") I hadn't noticed how dark the room had gotten until I turned to set my tumbler of hot tea on the table next to my reclining chair. I climb in, lay back, pull up my soft and oh so cozy, most comforting, lapghan of brown suede panels on one side and soft curly tan wool on the other. Next, I set my precious little pets on my chest underneath the cozy lapghan and open up my eReader.
My little pets are all warm and cozy, purring on my chest. Only, I can't hear them, I know they are because I can feel the vibrations. The wind is whipping, so strongly, that the fireplace flue is loudly rattling. And, the hail is hitting so hard, against the loose window glass, that besides the loud thumping, you can almost feel them as they shudder. There are flashes of lightning and clashes of thunder, ever so often, also.
And I've never felt more comforted...
At least, that's what I think until I read the very first words of a new "ARC" I've volunteered to read:
"The first thing you need to know is that it wasn’t a suicide attempt."
That's when my shoulders give off an eerie little shudder. (Huh?)
"Oooh," I think..."What a perfect opening line that was..."
Yes, that's exactly how it happened, my introduction to SPENCER SPEARS latest novel "ADAM'S SONG."
REALLY!!! Well...Except it was a dark and stormy 'late afternoon.' But, whose nit picking?
The book's synopsis, which is reiterated by previous reviewers, tells you exactly what this book is about. My review takes a slightly different angle...
Makes me wonder who the author knows or, maybe more appropriately, what was studied in college. There is more than just "exquisite" research, for a book, that's gone on here. This is almost like first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of music (music theory) and the music industry. And, more importantly, the extreme complexities of ADAM'S inner torment. The author shows such a detailed understanding of the human psyche that seems to come from more than mere "research." Again, the knowledge it would take not only to be able to write so comprehensively and very detailedly about ADAM's psychoses (plural of psychosis) but, also, write with such an ability that enables us to understand exactly WHY, HOW and WHAT ADAM's suffering with, and going through.
🖤For your convenience, if you don't want a lot of details, you can cut to the paragraphs with this heart symbol. It will give you a quicker wrap-up.🖤
Believe me, "PSYCHOSES" is the correct word. Besides having "crippling stage fright," ADAM has a deep seated "fear-of-emotions." A deep seated "fear-of-needing." A deep seated "fear-of-being-weak." A deep seated "fear-of-not-being-good-enough." These are only the most prevalent of his turmoils and, all of these are about EVERY aspect of his daily life, NOT JUST in the music industry.
And yet, that chaotic brain of ADAM's is the same one that makes him feel (Oops! Feelings? Oh no!) "like musical instruments always 'feel' alive to me and each one has its own personality." He says it's almost like his body is part of the instrument when he's playing, and when it's being "played-well," he feels like he's swelling and filling with the notes that his fingers are drawing from the air. And, FOR ONCE, he FEELS LIKE HE BELONGS.
🖤ADAM can play nearly any instrument he sees.
BEN IS ALWAYS IN AWE, truly astounded, of ADAM's musical genius.
After only seeing it played once, ADAM can literally sit down and play it, himself.
BEN says, “Holy shit.”
"You hear just a snatch of a melody and you can build a whole song around it. In 15 minutes.”
🖤It's sincerely astounding not only how much this author put into this character's persona but, also, how well she "plays" him. You would think with all his neuroses, that Adam would be a terrible read. A real downer. Not so. Just Sooo Not So...
🖤Every angsty moment, with ADAM, is truly…RIVETING.
And, then we have BEN, the star of ALL of ADAM's fantasies, for over 7 years. They have been best friends since college where, BEN and ADAM, both studied music. Now, ADAM mainly writes the music and BEN mainly writes the words and does most of the singing/performing. Not that they both aren't talented enough for each of them to do both tasks equally well. They just seem to have found their niche that they prefer, when it comes to making the music they both so love and, it works out well for them. Except, BEN was the one that was "DISCOVERED." Not ADAM. Even though ADAM made the music that was partially responsible for BEN being discovered. Seems to make the most sense though, seeing as how BEN did do most of the performing, he liked to sing, not so much so for ADAM-right? Only BEN's truly, sweetly, honest soul, hated "being discovered."
It wasn't the real him. He wanted to be himself and perform his (and ADAM's) music. Wasn't that why they'd "discovered" him in the first place? Nooo...They "discovered" him because they saw "someone" they could turn into a "money-machine." They weren't interested in his current image, or his music, at all.
And, it was the industry's "version" of him (the one his record-label carefully crafted to sell to "teenage kids/fans") that all these kids were "falling-in-love" with. And, BEN hated even that amount, and type, of dishonesty.
Yet, he never once let on to the kids, how he felt. He treated every single one of them with the utmost kindness and respect. He would even include the parents, if they were with their children, in the conversation he'd be having with their kids, out of respect. No, he couldn't blame them for not knowing that IT WASN'T REALLY HIM they cared about but, some fake person that didn't really exist. No...it wasn't their fault.
When BEN first signed with the label, he fought very hard to make sure that at least, SOME of the music he and ADAM wrote together, got put onto his debut album. After that, though, they completely dominated him. Took him over and turned him into the teen-idol he now was. As ADAM put it "Ben Kowalski, my best friend, was run through their popstar production machine and extruded out the other side in perfect, cookie-cutter fashion as Ben Thomas."
They provided his teenage music, that he was to perform. They also provided his clothes, his entire "look," his apartment, his furniture, his car, his food, his drink, his exercise (including trainer), his interview wording, even his fake girlfriend! The label controlled every-and I do mean EVERY-aspect and every minute of his life. They even told him WHEN to go to his own (actually the label's) apartment. They would even walk right in on him, whenever they felt like it, because it was really their apartment, after all. And, even when he DID leave his apartment, for personal reasons, he had to go incognito. He was always recognized, though. Yet, never once, did he let anyone think they were inconveniencing him by stopping him and asking for "selfies" or autographs.
🖤Even with all his fame BEN, was still, so sweet and humble. He even insists that his donations to charity organizations be given anonymously. He feels, to know it came from him, was synonymous to "bragging."
Why then, you would ask, would such a sweet and honest person like BEN put up with all this music business that he hates? Even with the awesome amount of money he's paid, he feels it's just NOT WORTH IT. Especially with all he was expected to do or more especially, with WHO he was expected TO BE.
The answer...is a beautiful and vivacious but sadly, disabled, younger sister. She needs nearly constant medical care, and one surgery after yet another surgery, not only now but, will ALWAYS be needing more into the future, yet to come. He figures his discomfort is worth it to be able to ensure his baby sister will always be taken care of. A.L.W.A.Y.S.
🖤Again, you would think the personality BEN has would make him boring. Of course, NOT SO! BEN may the rock in everyone's life but, he is also, the light. When he walks into a room it automatically becomes brighter. And this has nothing to do with his fame. It has always been this way and long before he ever found fame. He has this wonderful way of making everyone feel important to him. Scratch that...not just important "to him" but, just plain ol' important!
🖤But then, while on tour in Japan, BEN had the SCARE-OF-HIS-LIFE! ADAM DIED! And no, this is NOT a "SPOILER." ADAM's heart had stopped, and thus he collapsed, while he was performing on stage-as he always sooo hated to do. He was revived and, of course, ambulanced to a hospital. That's when BEN, truly realized, that he would be horribly lost without ADAM. Once BEN comes to the realization that he is in love with ADAM and probably has been for years, there was no stopping him-he was all in. His love for ADAM grew exponentially stronger every day. And yet, it seems the stronger BEN's love becomes the more ADAM begins to think it can't be real. There's no way a well adjusted, put together guy like BEN could love a mal-adjusted, screwed up guy like ADAM.
🖤And that is the beginning of a true awakening, upon many levels, for both of these men. BEN on the road to reality of his wanting, and needing, to having ADAM by his side...among a couple of other things, which I won't mention because they truly would be "spoilers." ADAM on the long, long road to acceptance of not only someone else's love, no matter how many years he'd dreamed of having BEN love him but, the road of accepting his own love for himself.
🖤But, these two together are perfect. They give each other balance. They easily play off of one another after nearly a decade of being very close friends. They know what makes each other tick. They know what sets the other off. And , they know what to do to make each other laugh.
🖤BEN and ADAM are a RIOT together. They've both got such a cock-eyed sense of humor.
🖤I was waiting for someone to mention that when something happens, in a relationship, or goes wrong, couples TALK things out. They don't just say "Well, that's it, l'm out of here." But, they didn't. Instead they said, in the words of a very wise man-well, make that 2 very wise men in this book...
🖤"Adam, loving people, needing people—that doesn’t make you weak.
🖤It makes you human.”
🖤Take a chance on love.
🖤Takin a chance on BEN and ADAM.
🖤PS - "ADAM'S SONG" has a very sweet and tender EPILOGUE, "ALL I NEED," also. So, don't forget to access it at the end of the book.
I SOOO ENJOOOYED READING THE "ARC" (ADVANCE READER COPY) OF THIS BOOK "ADAM'S SONG," FROM THE AUTHOR "SPENCER SPEARS," THAT I AM FREELY, AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY, VOLUNTEERING TO WRITE THIS REVIEW BECAUSE I HONESTLY HOPE TO ENCOURAGE OTHER READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH EITHER THIS GENRE, OR THIS AUTHOR, TO TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND GIVE IT A TRY...I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WOULD NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
MTULIPK
February 11, 2018
Love in the media
This was a truly wonderful book that I am so glad I found! It was touching and emotional, yet snarky and sarcastic at the same time. While being about something so far away from real life for most people- celebrities falling in love- it was insanely real and relatable.
Adam is a bit of a screwed up guy. He didn't have the most brilliant upbringing for dealing with emotions so he doesn't really like expressing them. Add onto that an anxiety disorder and he feels like big bag of garbage in everyone's way. When a public meltdown brings him back in contact with his best friend and long time secret crush, he can't see anyway it will turn out as anything better than horrible as Adam works at coming out and getting out there. Adam was a great character because watching him try to deal with his anxiety and make his life what he wanted felt so real. Coming out isn't supposed to be a big deal, but it is for so many people still, and add anxiety on top of that and it's a big bag of crazy. Trying to come to terms with himself and the world was a really good read and I loved seeing the journey Adam went on in this book.
Ben is the most amazing best friend ever, but also a huge pop star. He got discovered after college and has been out being super famous and on contract. Ben is trying to deal with his concept of what he wanted from music and what he has with fame and money. It is one of those things that is nice to put into perspective; complaining about huge amounts of money seems horrible to most peopleb but if it's taking away all you wanted in life, don't you have the right to complain a bit? Ben is really dealing with a big decision as he tries to figure out his path in the future. Add in the fact that he realizes he has feelings for Adam and everything is just crazy complicated. Ben was great because he'a the 'perfect' guy, the one everyone thinks has it all together, but he's struggling to find his way as well. But when it comes to liking Adam, he doesn't have the big freak out about liking guys, he just freaks out about ruining the friendship. It was a refreshing way to have it come about. Ben was sweet but he had his own issues to work out as well and watching him work through them with Adam made this a truly beautiful book.
There are so many characters in this that feel alive and the setup for it is brilliant. I loved how everyone worked together, making this a book of many people's lives and just one event within that. I greatly enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series!
This was a truly wonderful book that I am so glad I found! It was touching and emotional, yet snarky and sarcastic at the same time. While being about something so far away from real life for most people- celebrities falling in love- it was insanely real and relatable.
Adam is a bit of a screwed up guy. He didn't have the most brilliant upbringing for dealing with emotions so he doesn't really like expressing them. Add onto that an anxiety disorder and he feels like big bag of garbage in everyone's way. When a public meltdown brings him back in contact with his best friend and long time secret crush, he can't see anyway it will turn out as anything better than horrible as Adam works at coming out and getting out there. Adam was a great character because watching him try to deal with his anxiety and make his life what he wanted felt so real. Coming out isn't supposed to be a big deal, but it is for so many people still, and add anxiety on top of that and it's a big bag of crazy. Trying to come to terms with himself and the world was a really good read and I loved seeing the journey Adam went on in this book.
Ben is the most amazing best friend ever, but also a huge pop star. He got discovered after college and has been out being super famous and on contract. Ben is trying to deal with his concept of what he wanted from music and what he has with fame and money. It is one of those things that is nice to put into perspective; complaining about huge amounts of money seems horrible to most peopleb but if it's taking away all you wanted in life, don't you have the right to complain a bit? Ben is really dealing with a big decision as he tries to figure out his path in the future. Add in the fact that he realizes he has feelings for Adam and everything is just crazy complicated. Ben was great because he'a the 'perfect' guy, the one everyone thinks has it all together, but he's struggling to find his way as well. But when it comes to liking Adam, he doesn't have the big freak out about liking guys, he just freaks out about ruining the friendship. It was a refreshing way to have it come about. Ben was sweet but he had his own issues to work out as well and watching him work through them with Adam made this a truly beautiful book.
There are so many characters in this that feel alive and the setup for it is brilliant. I loved how everyone worked together, making this a book of many people's lives and just one event within that. I greatly enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series!
June 8, 2017
Almost everyone dreams of the day when they are loved by someone, not because of who they are, but, despite it. Adam’s Song brings together two men who have been friends since they met in college. Adam is a masterful songwriter, with a pathological fear of vulnerability, who makes amazingly bad decisions like the day he goes on stage with his band after downing a multitude of substances in response to a bad break-up with his now ex. He has had a crush on Ben since college, only Ben is straight and not into him in that way. Ben is a rising pop star who makes amazingly bad decisions like signing with a record label that orchestrates every single moment of his life. He just needs to be able to make life right for everyone including Adam, who now needs him more than ever. Problem is, Adam has a pathological fear of vulnerability and Ben has newfound deep seated feelings for Adam.
One of my favorite lines in this story is “I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now. When I see you, something inside me lights up.” If that makes you think this is another sappy love story, guess again. Adam’s song is anything but sappy and yet it hits you constantly in the feels as these two navigate everything thrown at them while they discover each other and build the most honest relationship ever. Theirs is a slowly evolving relationship. The book takes the time to allow you to see and appreciate the growth of these two men in a way akin to a slow burning fire. First there are the embers left by the ash of their lives and then the winds of life come along and gives a new spark to the kindling which catches one small flame at a time. You find yourself rooting for this relationship and yelling at everything that threatens it.
I appreciate the fact this book being part of a series doesn’t mean you get left hanging in the end. Adam’s song can be read and fully enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. It has well developed main and supporting characters with a plot that is complete and yet leaves room for the stories yet to come.
Adam’s song is an amazing story of how two young men navigate life while discovering how to live. I loved this book. It grabbed my heart from the opening paragraph and didn’t let go until the last words. I am so glad this is a series because the only words I have for the author are: more! More! More!
I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of my favorite lines in this story is “I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now. When I see you, something inside me lights up.” If that makes you think this is another sappy love story, guess again. Adam’s song is anything but sappy and yet it hits you constantly in the feels as these two navigate everything thrown at them while they discover each other and build the most honest relationship ever. Theirs is a slowly evolving relationship. The book takes the time to allow you to see and appreciate the growth of these two men in a way akin to a slow burning fire. First there are the embers left by the ash of their lives and then the winds of life come along and gives a new spark to the kindling which catches one small flame at a time. You find yourself rooting for this relationship and yelling at everything that threatens it.
I appreciate the fact this book being part of a series doesn’t mean you get left hanging in the end. Adam’s song can be read and fully enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. It has well developed main and supporting characters with a plot that is complete and yet leaves room for the stories yet to come.
Adam’s song is an amazing story of how two young men navigate life while discovering how to live. I loved this book. It grabbed my heart from the opening paragraph and didn’t let go until the last words. I am so glad this is a series because the only words I have for the author are: more! More! More!
I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 6, 2017
Adam's song is a friends to lovers m/m romance story by Spencer Spears.
The main characters of the book are Adam and Ben. They have knows each other for seven years and Adam has been in love with Ben for most of it. They are collage roommates both studying music and after initial mistrust from Adam they become best friends.
Seven years later Ben has hit it big and signed by a record label and touring the world. Adam is also exploring new things. He finally has a boyfriend and is playing more gigs (in spite of his anxiety) with his band in different clubs around New York. His life takes a turn for the worse when he finds out his boyfriend has been cheating on him the whole time they have been together and he them outs Adam to all his band mates. Panic and few wrong choices leave Adam loosing consciousness during his biggest gig so far. He also stops breathing and Adam's sister is afraid he was trying to kill himself. After a month of treatment Adam finally is ready to go home. He ends up staying with Ben and everything would be just wonderful if he just had courage to come out to Ben and his sister... Adam is suffering from anxiety and always believing the worse about himself... He doesn't think Ben could ever be interested in him.. as Ben is straight... or is he?
I had a sick day at home and started reading this in the morning. I literally spend whole day reading this book and I just couldn't put it down. I think the story was well written and the characters well developed. This is a long book 466 pages but it didn't feel long at all. The book kept me captivated from the page one and I couldn't recommend it more to everyone who loves a well written friends to lovers stories!
What I also loved about this book that there wasn't too much angst in the book. I was a great feel good read with a good plot and great characters. I was happy Adam and Ben were able to solve their differences in the end and come back stronger and ever. I can't wait to read about Nick and Eli or at least I hope the next book in the series will be about them!
--
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of the book in change of and honest review.
The main characters of the book are Adam and Ben. They have knows each other for seven years and Adam has been in love with Ben for most of it. They are collage roommates both studying music and after initial mistrust from Adam they become best friends.
Seven years later Ben has hit it big and signed by a record label and touring the world. Adam is also exploring new things. He finally has a boyfriend and is playing more gigs (in spite of his anxiety) with his band in different clubs around New York. His life takes a turn for the worse when he finds out his boyfriend has been cheating on him the whole time they have been together and he them outs Adam to all his band mates. Panic and few wrong choices leave Adam loosing consciousness during his biggest gig so far. He also stops breathing and Adam's sister is afraid he was trying to kill himself. After a month of treatment Adam finally is ready to go home. He ends up staying with Ben and everything would be just wonderful if he just had courage to come out to Ben and his sister... Adam is suffering from anxiety and always believing the worse about himself... He doesn't think Ben could ever be interested in him.. as Ben is straight... or is he?
I had a sick day at home and started reading this in the morning. I literally spend whole day reading this book and I just couldn't put it down. I think the story was well written and the characters well developed. This is a long book 466 pages but it didn't feel long at all. The book kept me captivated from the page one and I couldn't recommend it more to everyone who loves a well written friends to lovers stories!
What I also loved about this book that there wasn't too much angst in the book. I was a great feel good read with a good plot and great characters. I was happy Adam and Ben were able to solve their differences in the end and come back stronger and ever. I can't wait to read about Nick and Eli or at least I hope the next book in the series will be about them!
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I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of the book in change of and honest review.
June 8, 2017
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
In this book we meet Adam Hart and Ben (Thompson) Kowalski. When this book opens up we find Adam being confronted by the first guy he has decided to date. He finds that the man that he thought was his first boyfriend was actually a guy who was cheating on him continuously. So since he already had stage fright and the only way he could get on stage was to drink he wanted to be completely numb and took pills with more liquor. At this point he overdoses and dies on stage. All he wanted was an escape from feeling like he couldn't have the one man he wanted but what he gets is something else entirely. Can Adam make this journey and still win the man of his heart or will he loose that chance before he even gets it?
Ben is really Ben Kowalski but on stage everyone knows him as Ben Thompson. Ben hates that he can't make the type of music that he really wants to. So when he gets the call that his best friend is in the hospital and has almost died he is ready to walk away from it all. But after everyone convinces him that he has to finish out his tour he reluctantly agrees. All he wants though is to get back and see Adam for himself make sure his is truly ok. Ben knows that he loves Adam as a friend but as this journey with his best friend goes on he becomes aware that he might have stronger feelings than that. Will he be able to not only help his friend but maybe get a love he didn't know he needed?
This is a great story about finding and accepting love but also finding and accepting yourself just as you are. This book is a m/m story but that isn't really the bases of this it could be any type of couple the messages in this story however are amazing and very powerful. It really shows us how sometimes our perception of how we do things isn't always how others see it. I think this book is amazing and I would highly recommend it. I would like to tell you all about it but don't want to ruin some of the parts for any other readers. I will say give this book a read you will not be disappointed you might just walk away changed. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
In this book we meet Adam Hart and Ben (Thompson) Kowalski. When this book opens up we find Adam being confronted by the first guy he has decided to date. He finds that the man that he thought was his first boyfriend was actually a guy who was cheating on him continuously. So since he already had stage fright and the only way he could get on stage was to drink he wanted to be completely numb and took pills with more liquor. At this point he overdoses and dies on stage. All he wanted was an escape from feeling like he couldn't have the one man he wanted but what he gets is something else entirely. Can Adam make this journey and still win the man of his heart or will he loose that chance before he even gets it?
Ben is really Ben Kowalski but on stage everyone knows him as Ben Thompson. Ben hates that he can't make the type of music that he really wants to. So when he gets the call that his best friend is in the hospital and has almost died he is ready to walk away from it all. But after everyone convinces him that he has to finish out his tour he reluctantly agrees. All he wants though is to get back and see Adam for himself make sure his is truly ok. Ben knows that he loves Adam as a friend but as this journey with his best friend goes on he becomes aware that he might have stronger feelings than that. Will he be able to not only help his friend but maybe get a love he didn't know he needed?
This is a great story about finding and accepting love but also finding and accepting yourself just as you are. This book is a m/m story but that isn't really the bases of this it could be any type of couple the messages in this story however are amazing and very powerful. It really shows us how sometimes our perception of how we do things isn't always how others see it. I think this book is amazing and I would highly recommend it. I would like to tell you all about it but don't want to ruin some of the parts for any other readers. I will say give this book a read you will not be disappointed you might just walk away changed. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
June 12, 2017
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears is a contemporary M/M romance. Its explicit language and sex might be pretty inappropriate for younger readers.
Adam and Ben are best friends and Adam has always been in love with him. Unfortunately, Ben is straight. Both of the men are musicians and when Adam has a breakdown on stage, Ben does whatever he can to take care of him. Adam is urged by his sister to spend some time in a healthy living facility and when he returns, his room has been rented out and he is homeless. Ben insists that Adam move in with him and their friendship begins to turn into something more.
This was a very sweet romantic story. I absolutely loved Ben. He was a great character and I felt like he was nothing but wonderful to Adam. Although he had made it big as a musician, he was still the same guy and couldn't shake the need to be really nice to everyone in his life, including his fans. That was very endearing.
This is a nit-picky thing but I was actually annoyed by the overuse of the word 'gross.' These men were adults and I felt like I was reading a very steamy YA book with everything being 'gross.'
As much as I loved Ben, there were times I wanted to smack Adam. He spent years longing to be with this guy (who was pretty amazing) and then when he is, he is so self-deprecating that I am not sure how Ben could stand it. I didn't get why Adam was so upset over Ben not telling Adam the truth. I could see being mad but not so mad that I would disappear for days with no word. It was very dramatic and unnecessary.
Now that I am done complaining, I really did enjoy this book. I loved the fact that once Ben realized his feelings, he was solid with it. There was no wishy-washy attitude. No "I have never liked guys before" concerns. He was confident that once he realized his feelings for Adam, that was it. I really appreciated that. He was rock solid throughout this book.
I also liked that there was no backlash for Adam once he came out. I wish this were the case everywhere in the world but I think books like his help.
This is my first book from this author but it won't be my last.
Adam and Ben are best friends and Adam has always been in love with him. Unfortunately, Ben is straight. Both of the men are musicians and when Adam has a breakdown on stage, Ben does whatever he can to take care of him. Adam is urged by his sister to spend some time in a healthy living facility and when he returns, his room has been rented out and he is homeless. Ben insists that Adam move in with him and their friendship begins to turn into something more.
This was a very sweet romantic story. I absolutely loved Ben. He was a great character and I felt like he was nothing but wonderful to Adam. Although he had made it big as a musician, he was still the same guy and couldn't shake the need to be really nice to everyone in his life, including his fans. That was very endearing.
This is a nit-picky thing but I was actually annoyed by the overuse of the word 'gross.' These men were adults and I felt like I was reading a very steamy YA book with everything being 'gross.'
As much as I loved Ben, there were times I wanted to smack Adam. He spent years longing to be with this guy (who was pretty amazing) and then when he is, he is so self-deprecating that I am not sure how Ben could stand it. I didn't get why Adam was so upset over Ben not telling Adam the truth. I could see being mad but not so mad that I would disappear for days with no word. It was very dramatic and unnecessary.
Now that I am done complaining, I really did enjoy this book. I loved the fact that once Ben realized his feelings, he was solid with it. There was no wishy-washy attitude. No "I have never liked guys before" concerns. He was confident that once he realized his feelings for Adam, that was it. I really appreciated that. He was rock solid throughout this book.
I also liked that there was no backlash for Adam once he came out. I wish this were the case everywhere in the world but I think books like his help.
This is my first book from this author but it won't be my last.
June 12, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This was a delightful and well-crafted friends-to-lovers tale that did a great job blending two characters whose disparate personalities could have easily overwhelmed the story. Ben (Kowalski) Thomas is an up and coming pop star whose generous nature, big heart and loving and supportive upbringing makes him seem like Adam Hart’s polar opposite. Adam grew up with only his older sister as an example of love and kindness and was bullied by his peers in the many boarding schools he attended, as well as by his father, who constantly reinforced the idea that Adam was a worthless son and waste of space. Having internalized all that negativity about himself and treating emotional expression like a “gross” contagion, Adam’s not exactly the poster child for healthy self image and confidence, so even after seven years, he still questions Ben’s friendship. After making a dangerously bad decision that makes Adam feel weak and increases his self-loathing, this doubt becomes an even bigger hurdle when Ben expresses a romantic interest in him and is a continuing conflict in their growing relationship, which could have easily increased the angst levels in the book exponentially.
However, Spencer Spears was able to balance Ben’s almost ridiculously sweet and overly solicitous nature with Adam’s snarky self-awareness and sometimes painful insecurity and self-deprecation to create a charming story that manages to be both funny and heartbreaking as it explores the struggles that come with knowing and accepting yourself and the tough decisions this sometimes entails, whether you are "broken" like Adam thinks he is or just trying to figure out what's most important to you and learning the difference between supporting someone and taking care of them like Ben. These are two really engaging characters surrounded by secondary characters that are appealing in their own right, adding even more depth and believability to the book and making it a truly enjoyable journey.
This was a delightful and well-crafted friends-to-lovers tale that did a great job blending two characters whose disparate personalities could have easily overwhelmed the story. Ben (Kowalski) Thomas is an up and coming pop star whose generous nature, big heart and loving and supportive upbringing makes him seem like Adam Hart’s polar opposite. Adam grew up with only his older sister as an example of love and kindness and was bullied by his peers in the many boarding schools he attended, as well as by his father, who constantly reinforced the idea that Adam was a worthless son and waste of space. Having internalized all that negativity about himself and treating emotional expression like a “gross” contagion, Adam’s not exactly the poster child for healthy self image and confidence, so even after seven years, he still questions Ben’s friendship. After making a dangerously bad decision that makes Adam feel weak and increases his self-loathing, this doubt becomes an even bigger hurdle when Ben expresses a romantic interest in him and is a continuing conflict in their growing relationship, which could have easily increased the angst levels in the book exponentially.
However, Spencer Spears was able to balance Ben’s almost ridiculously sweet and overly solicitous nature with Adam’s snarky self-awareness and sometimes painful insecurity and self-deprecation to create a charming story that manages to be both funny and heartbreaking as it explores the struggles that come with knowing and accepting yourself and the tough decisions this sometimes entails, whether you are "broken" like Adam thinks he is or just trying to figure out what's most important to you and learning the difference between supporting someone and taking care of them like Ben. These are two really engaging characters surrounded by secondary characters that are appealing in their own right, adding even more depth and believability to the book and making it a truly enjoyable journey.
June 6, 2017
Spencer Spears did it again. She has written another beautiful story. Her writing style is captivating and riveting and pulled me right into the story. And I mean it literally. I felt I was part of their lives, that I was sitting next to them. The descriptions of sceneries and settings are vivid and almost poetic. She is a master of the dialogue. I was laughing, sighing, crying, getting angry and laughing again. All in a matter of minutes. It is lighthearted and serious and so funny. Her sense of humor is cracking me up. It is not only fun and laughter, though. Adam’s anxiety disorder is nothing to joke about and she writes about it with a poignant accuracy that makes it all the more real.
Just like Adam and Ben fell for each other I fell in love with them both. It didn’t take me long to do that. Spencer brings the characters to live. She describes their personalities and inner turmoils perfectly. Adam, shy, self-conscious and broken by his youth. He is so wary of feelings that he doesn’t want to feel at all. He doesn’t trust himself let alone others. He is scared to death and can’t believe Ben loves him more than a best friend. Ben, successful but not really happy in his musical career, still a down-to-earth and sweet guy. He can’t stop helping others. I loved how he embraces his changing feelings for his best friend and how he is so supportive of Adam.
The supporting characters are just as lovable as Adam and Ben and are an asset to the story. Ben’s sister Esther and Ben’s manager Shereen are sassy and smart women without being witches. Nick and Gray are the best friends one can get. Their advice and insight are deep and thoughtful.
Adam and Ben’s story from best friends to lovers is a delight to read, that keeps you enthralled from the first till the last page.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book.
Just like Adam and Ben fell for each other I fell in love with them both. It didn’t take me long to do that. Spencer brings the characters to live. She describes their personalities and inner turmoils perfectly. Adam, shy, self-conscious and broken by his youth. He is so wary of feelings that he doesn’t want to feel at all. He doesn’t trust himself let alone others. He is scared to death and can’t believe Ben loves him more than a best friend. Ben, successful but not really happy in his musical career, still a down-to-earth and sweet guy. He can’t stop helping others. I loved how he embraces his changing feelings for his best friend and how he is so supportive of Adam.
The supporting characters are just as lovable as Adam and Ben and are an asset to the story. Ben’s sister Esther and Ben’s manager Shereen are sassy and smart women without being witches. Nick and Gray are the best friends one can get. Their advice and insight are deep and thoughtful.
Adam and Ben’s story from best friends to lovers is a delight to read, that keeps you enthralled from the first till the last page.
I was honored with an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book.
January 8, 2025
Now we're in NYC and we meet Adam. Adam is in a band that's doing pretty well for themselves, but unfortunately, right before their big performance, Adam finds out that his boyfriend, Ellis, was cheating on him...and Ellis outed Adam to anybody within earshot.
Adam, already having performance anxiety, downs a bunch of mystery pills and some liquor, and the next thing he knows, he wakes up in the hospital. Although he tells his big sister Esther it wasn't a suicide attempt, she begs him to go to Peachtree for 30 days, a clinic where he can get himself sorted.
Adam agrees, and a month later, he's picked up by his best friend, Ben. Ben's just coming off of a world tour himself, one of those pop stars who is manufactured by the record label to be perfect and wholesome. Ben wants Adam to come stay with him so they can spend time together while he's home, and Adam agrees, even though living with Ben will be torture.
Why? Because Adam is and always has been head over heels in love with his straight best friend. Ben doesn't even know he's gay. But when he does find out, Ben starts to see Adam through a different lens. Suddenly he's noticing Adam's skin, his laugh, his throat...
When they finally make the switch from best friends to lovers, there's a lot to consider. Adam's anxiety, Ben's fame and image, and their friendship. Also, Ben is keeping a secret from Adam that just may ruin everything.
This one was so sweet!! I love best friends to lovers and a bi-awakening, and this one was so good. Loving this author so much!!
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥 1/2
Adam, already having performance anxiety, downs a bunch of mystery pills and some liquor, and the next thing he knows, he wakes up in the hospital. Although he tells his big sister Esther it wasn't a suicide attempt, she begs him to go to Peachtree for 30 days, a clinic where he can get himself sorted.
Adam agrees, and a month later, he's picked up by his best friend, Ben. Ben's just coming off of a world tour himself, one of those pop stars who is manufactured by the record label to be perfect and wholesome. Ben wants Adam to come stay with him so they can spend time together while he's home, and Adam agrees, even though living with Ben will be torture.
Why? Because Adam is and always has been head over heels in love with his straight best friend. Ben doesn't even know he's gay. But when he does find out, Ben starts to see Adam through a different lens. Suddenly he's noticing Adam's skin, his laugh, his throat...
When they finally make the switch from best friends to lovers, there's a lot to consider. Adam's anxiety, Ben's fame and image, and their friendship. Also, Ben is keeping a secret from Adam that just may ruin everything.
This one was so sweet!! I love best friends to lovers and a bi-awakening, and this one was so good. Loving this author so much!!
Rating 🔥🔥🔥🔥 1/2
January 31, 2020
Audiobook review
This is actually a pretty good story. Best friends to lovers with a bit of hurt/comfort thrown in, and excellent secondary characters, make it definitely worth the listen.
Adam has a bad time of it, but refuses his best friend's help and support. He does accept his pushy and wonderful sister's advice, not knowing all the details. But, due to circumstances, it's time to come out of the closet.
Ben is not happy with his contract, but he has his obligations. However, he feels a new connection to Adam that is strange yet cool. Unfortunately, he knows his sponsors won't like it if he suddenly starts dating a man; in comes the sweet yet a bit crazy Mia.
The thing that brought my rating down was Adam's attitude. I understand being allergic to emotions and such. But he was the one who has wanted Ben for years! He finally has his dreams within reach, but can't get over his immature self to grab on with both hands. I absolutely adored Ben and the secondary characters, but Adam's attitude got old... especially with the length of the story. But, with the initial push from Gray, the bartender, and the women in their lives, Ben and Adam finally find their happily ever after.
Michael Fell was a new to me narrator, and I thought he did a fantastic job. His characters are well differentiated, his pacing was smooth and easy, and he really brought the characters to life. Well done!
* I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review. *
This is actually a pretty good story. Best friends to lovers with a bit of hurt/comfort thrown in, and excellent secondary characters, make it definitely worth the listen.
Adam has a bad time of it, but refuses his best friend's help and support. He does accept his pushy and wonderful sister's advice, not knowing all the details. But, due to circumstances, it's time to come out of the closet.
Ben is not happy with his contract, but he has his obligations. However, he feels a new connection to Adam that is strange yet cool. Unfortunately, he knows his sponsors won't like it if he suddenly starts dating a man; in comes the sweet yet a bit crazy Mia.
The thing that brought my rating down was Adam's attitude. I understand being allergic to emotions and such. But he was the one who has wanted Ben for years! He finally has his dreams within reach, but can't get over his immature self to grab on with both hands. I absolutely adored Ben and the secondary characters, but Adam's attitude got old... especially with the length of the story. But, with the initial push from Gray, the bartender, and the women in their lives, Ben and Adam finally find their happily ever after.
Michael Fell was a new to me narrator, and I thought he did a fantastic job. His characters are well differentiated, his pacing was smooth and easy, and he really brought the characters to life. Well done!
* I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review. *
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