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Stereo Hearts #3
Refrain
STANDALONE NOVEL
There’s nothing in the world college student Viola Rice wouldn’t do for her best friend, Milo. So when he asks her to pose as his girlfriend to help quell his uber-religious family’s suspicions that he’s gay, Viola’s happy to help. She already loves Milo as a friend, after all, so pretending to love him as his girlfriend will be a peace of cake.
And it is.
Until she meets his brother.
The last thing rock star Jon Baca plans when he comes home for the first time in ten years is to fall for his brother’s girl.
From the moment he lays eyes on Viola Rice, he knows she’s off limits. But his desperate attraction to the chocolate beauty tests his will in a way he’s never experienced before.
One false move could cost him his family.
But one night in her bed just might be worth the risk.
REFRAIN is a standalone interracial novel. It is book three in The Stereo Hearts series.
BOOK 1: Stereo
BOOK 2: Encore
BOOK 3: Refrain
There’s nothing in the world college student Viola Rice wouldn’t do for her best friend, Milo. So when he asks her to pose as his girlfriend to help quell his uber-religious family’s suspicions that he’s gay, Viola’s happy to help. She already loves Milo as a friend, after all, so pretending to love him as his girlfriend will be a peace of cake.
And it is.
Until she meets his brother.
The last thing rock star Jon Baca plans when he comes home for the first time in ten years is to fall for his brother’s girl.
From the moment he lays eyes on Viola Rice, he knows she’s off limits. But his desperate attraction to the chocolate beauty tests his will in a way he’s never experienced before.
One false move could cost him his family.
But one night in her bed just might be worth the risk.
REFRAIN is a standalone interracial novel. It is book three in The Stereo Hearts series.
BOOK 1: Stereo
BOOK 2: Encore
BOOK 3: Refrain
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2018
84 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Trevion Burns
29 books287 followersI'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 27, 2018
Omg!!!!
Loved this story, a def must read. Now ms. Trevion, whats next on the list? Im waiting for more, i know you wont disappoint 😍
Loved this story, a def must read. Now ms. Trevion, whats next on the list? Im waiting for more, i know you wont disappoint 😍
January 20, 2018
Selfish people
I want to start off by saying that I really like Trevion Burns. I didn’t dislike the writing in this book. It was really good but I just could get into the actual content of the book. Everyone in this book was selfish. Milo was selfish for forcing Viola to pretend for so long. Jon was selfish for going after Viola even though he thought she was taken. But Viola was the most selfish character in this book. So she met Jon and had a connection and instead of backing off when she found out he was Milo’s brother she seemed to pursue him harder. She continuously sought him out and basically forced him to interact with her. Even though she knew how much it was hurting him because he though she was with his brother. If she wasn’t throwing herself at him she was staring at him like a crazy woman who had never seen an attractive an before. I really tried to like this book but Viola really ruined it for me. I honestly hated her for the most of the book. So much so that I couldn’t even finish this book. I read about 60% and the I just skipped to the end. Again I love Trevion Burns so I will continue to read her work but this was just a huge miss for me.
I want to start off by saying that I really like Trevion Burns. I didn’t dislike the writing in this book. It was really good but I just could get into the actual content of the book. Everyone in this book was selfish. Milo was selfish for forcing Viola to pretend for so long. Jon was selfish for going after Viola even though he thought she was taken. But Viola was the most selfish character in this book. So she met Jon and had a connection and instead of backing off when she found out he was Milo’s brother she seemed to pursue him harder. She continuously sought him out and basically forced him to interact with her. Even though she knew how much it was hurting him because he though she was with his brother. If she wasn’t throwing herself at him she was staring at him like a crazy woman who had never seen an attractive an before. I really tried to like this book but Viola really ruined it for me. I honestly hated her for the most of the book. So much so that I couldn’t even finish this book. I read about 60% and the I just skipped to the end. Again I love Trevion Burns so I will continue to read her work but this was just a huge miss for me.
April 16, 2018
Started out strong(ish) and then basically became a gigantic trainwreck by the end. I mean, of course it did. I've continued to read this author even though I've only really liked 2 or 3 of her books because all of her heroes have this soft gooey center that I crave. Jon Baca was a whole ass idiot though. Viola too. All of it was corny. The meet cute, family matters, beard subterfuge, ALL OF IT. Plus, y'all are out here in Mormon country and your church sounds HELLA Pentecostal.
January 19, 2018
Loved It
I loved every second of it. Such a gifted writer she is becoming! More review to follow in the morning!
Happy Reading!
I loved every second of it. Such a gifted writer she is becoming! More review to follow in the morning!
Happy Reading!
January 29, 2018
Ummmmm....🤔
Usually I give Trevion's books a solid five star, but this one I had to give a four star rating. I mean, the book wasn't a bad read, it was pretty good. Had some laughter, some cringe-worthy moments as well. It's just, Viola was nerve-wrecking and thirsty. She still pined over Jon although he called her a hoe, and treated her like one too. She day dreamed like a two year old, but then again she was 21. Jon was hot, but he should've examined his brother a little more deeply and he too would've seen what Noodles saw right away. Book seemed rushed, not as developed of a story as Adam's and Yoshi's story. Like I said, it was a good read, but not her best. I know that Noodles story is going to be not only hilarious, because he has no filter, but a great read!
Usually I give Trevion's books a solid five star, but this one I had to give a four star rating. I mean, the book wasn't a bad read, it was pretty good. Had some laughter, some cringe-worthy moments as well. It's just, Viola was nerve-wrecking and thirsty. She still pined over Jon although he called her a hoe, and treated her like one too. She day dreamed like a two year old, but then again she was 21. Jon was hot, but he should've examined his brother a little more deeply and he too would've seen what Noodles saw right away. Book seemed rushed, not as developed of a story as Adam's and Yoshi's story. Like I said, it was a good read, but not her best. I know that Noodles story is going to be not only hilarious, because he has no filter, but a great read!
April 17, 2018
I picked this one up based on a blurb on Women of Color in Romance.
Viola Rice agrees to pretend to be the girlfriend of her gay bestie, Milo, on a three-week visit home to Milo's family in Utah even though she fears that his white Mormon family might react just as badly to the idea of a black potential daughter-in-law as they would to a son-in-law for their son. Due to airline overbooking, Viola and Milo end up on separate flights, and Viola ends up sitting next to the guitarist from her favorite rock band, Jon Baca. The two end up making out on the plane flight, and Jon even gives Viola his phone number upon parting. But when it turns out that Jon is in fact Milo's older brother, come like Milo to spend time with their family, Viola has to keep up the pretense of being Milo's girlfriend, even in the face of Jon's disgust.
The set-up here only works because Milo, Jon, and especially Viola are all unappealingly selfish. Viola whines about how angry she is at Milo for making her keep the secret, and shows no sympathy at all for Milo's worries about outing himself to his family. And keeps trying to get Jon to kiss her, despite still pretending she's Milo's girl. Milo could easily have told his rock star brother Jon, if not the rest of his family, the truth, and we could have had a funny comedy, with the three of them in on the secret but trying to hide it from the rest of the family, but he doesn't ever say a word (he and Jon are estranged, but the author never even includes much conversation between Milo and Viola to explain his reasoning). And Jon certainly didn't have to ...
I usually enjoy books with difficult heroines. But the problem for me with this one was that neither the author, nor any of the characters in the story, seemed to think that the heroine here was problematic in any way. I found her completely unsympathetic and unlikeable. Jon and Milo weren't that much better, either. Add in some making fun of the sex lives of grandparents, and some incredibly easy acceptance of homosexuality when Milo's secret finally pops out, and you have a romance with very little appeal.
Viola Rice agrees to pretend to be the girlfriend of her gay bestie, Milo, on a three-week visit home to Milo's family in Utah even though she fears that his white Mormon family might react just as badly to the idea of a black potential daughter-in-law as they would to a son-in-law for their son. Due to airline overbooking, Viola and Milo end up on separate flights, and Viola ends up sitting next to the guitarist from her favorite rock band, Jon Baca. The two end up making out on the plane flight, and Jon even gives Viola his phone number upon parting. But when it turns out that Jon is in fact Milo's older brother, come like Milo to spend time with their family, Viola has to keep up the pretense of being Milo's girlfriend, even in the face of Jon's disgust.
The set-up here only works because Milo, Jon, and especially Viola are all unappealingly selfish. Viola whines about how angry she is at Milo for making her keep the secret, and shows no sympathy at all for Milo's worries about outing himself to his family. And keeps trying to get Jon to kiss her, despite still pretending she's Milo's girl. Milo could easily have told his rock star brother Jon, if not the rest of his family, the truth, and we could have had a funny comedy, with the three of them in on the secret but trying to hide it from the rest of the family, but he doesn't ever say a word (he and Jon are estranged, but the author never even includes much conversation between Milo and Viola to explain his reasoning). And Jon certainly didn't have to ...
I usually enjoy books with difficult heroines. But the problem for me with this one was that neither the author, nor any of the characters in the story, seemed to think that the heroine here was problematic in any way. I found her completely unsympathetic and unlikeable. Jon and Milo weren't that much better, either. Add in some making fun of the sex lives of grandparents, and some incredibly easy acceptance of homosexuality when Milo's secret finally pops out, and you have a romance with very little appeal.
February 10, 2018
Mini Review (full review coming soon):
Not Trevion's best work. The title, although clever in its double meaning, also works as a cosmic warning. Like it's tipping off future readers to what lies ahead - and that ain't so good. Look, it took me too long to read, because it just wasn't interesting. Too many words to say very little. Metaphor overload. Overwrought in places. Characters that I could not connect with. Lead female character is an adult, but very immature. I know she's on the young side, but 21 isn't exactly 16. And that's being very gracious. The one unforgivable sin though? It fell victim to a trope that needed to end yesterday; the Black Magic trope. Where the wise Black man or woman comes into the white family's life and fixes all their bullshit. At this point, I expect more from Burns. Way more. Stereo Hearts is her best series to date, in that the second book improved upon the first. But with Refrain, the downward trend I've noticed in her others series, persists. This book imploded the series and that's too bad. The best I can give it is a 2.9.
Not Trevion's best work. The title, although clever in its double meaning, also works as a cosmic warning. Like it's tipping off future readers to what lies ahead - and that ain't so good. Look, it took me too long to read, because it just wasn't interesting. Too many words to say very little. Metaphor overload. Overwrought in places. Characters that I could not connect with. Lead female character is an adult, but very immature. I know she's on the young side, but 21 isn't exactly 16. And that's being very gracious. The one unforgivable sin though? It fell victim to a trope that needed to end yesterday; the Black Magic trope. Where the wise Black man or woman comes into the white family's life and fixes all their bullshit. At this point, I expect more from Burns. Way more. Stereo Hearts is her best series to date, in that the second book improved upon the first. But with Refrain, the downward trend I've noticed in her others series, persists. This book imploded the series and that's too bad. The best I can give it is a 2.9.
December 30, 2024
This book offers a fresh take on the fake dating trope, but I had issues with how Viola treated Milo. She acts like he's ruining her life when, in reality, she's trying to force him out of the closet for her own convenience. Yes, Milo needs to let go of his issues with his brother, but that doesn’t mean he should be pushed to come out just because Violet wants to hook up with a rockstar she’s been obsessed with since her teens. No, thank you.
After Milo finally comes out to his family, Viola seems more concerned about her relationship with Jon than supporting her best friend. It’s like Milo gets pushed aside and becomes an afterthought—or even an antagonist—in this story.
The book could’ve been much more satisfying if Viola had focused on building a strong, supportive friendship with Milo instead of pursuing her sexual relationship with Jon. It feels like she’s not a good friend, nor a good girlfriend, when she's doing all this shady stuff behind Milo’s back. The lack of depth in their friendship really hurt the emotional impact of the story.
After Milo finally comes out to his family, Viola seems more concerned about her relationship with Jon than supporting her best friend. It’s like Milo gets pushed aside and becomes an afterthought—or even an antagonist—in this story.
The book could’ve been much more satisfying if Viola had focused on building a strong, supportive friendship with Milo instead of pursuing her sexual relationship with Jon. It feels like she’s not a good friend, nor a good girlfriend, when she's doing all this shady stuff behind Milo’s back. The lack of depth in their friendship really hurt the emotional impact of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
Good Stuff!
Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.This was such a very entertaining story with all the elements working and touching all your emotions.I loved the dynamics of this family and the fact that the writer gives you a look at not only the good parts but the ugly ones as well.I loved the chemistry between Jon and Viola not only was it sexy but it was sweet as well.There were a couple of times I wanted to slap Milo silly.This was just good writing ,which I expected in Trevion Burns fashion.I say start with The first book in the series and go from there.
Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.This was such a very entertaining story with all the elements working and touching all your emotions.I loved the dynamics of this family and the fact that the writer gives you a look at not only the good parts but the ugly ones as well.I loved the chemistry between Jon and Viola not only was it sexy but it was sweet as well.There were a couple of times I wanted to slap Milo silly.This was just good writing ,which I expected in Trevion Burns fashion.I say start with The first book in the series and go from there.
January 31, 2018
Jon F***in' Baca!!!!
I was going to give "Refrain" four stars due to the unhappy premise that reigned for most of the story. Jon and Viola meet, give in to an immediate attraction (on a plane, no less), then instant hatred on Jon's part, because after parting at the airport with a hopeful future together, Jon is introduced to Viola as his younger brother's girlfriend! I trudged along with the "I hate you, you cheating slut" theme of this book until I almost stopped reading it all together. There were a few hilarious places that I highlighted, but the book totally redeemed itself in the final chapter. Please give Noodle his own story!!!!
I was going to give "Refrain" four stars due to the unhappy premise that reigned for most of the story. Jon and Viola meet, give in to an immediate attraction (on a plane, no less), then instant hatred on Jon's part, because after parting at the airport with a hopeful future together, Jon is introduced to Viola as his younger brother's girlfriend! I trudged along with the "I hate you, you cheating slut" theme of this book until I almost stopped reading it all together. There were a few hilarious places that I highlighted, but the book totally redeemed itself in the final chapter. Please give Noodle his own story!!!!
January 30, 2018
More Swoon!
This was the second book in this particular series that I read & I was not disappointed....it's just as good as "Encore"! I love the fact that the every character had their own "thing" to deal with and it was well developed. I don't think that any one person's problems overshadowed or took over the main couple's love story. And let me just say Jon 'F-ing' Baca is firmly on the list of #BookBaes
This was the second book in this particular series that I read & I was not disappointed....it's just as good as "Encore"! I love the fact that the every character had their own "thing" to deal with and it was well developed. I don't think that any one person's problems overshadowed or took over the main couple's love story. And let me just say Jon 'F-ing' Baca is firmly on the list of #BookBaes
May 18, 2018
Refrain
The Heroine is so off putting and immature that I could not finish this book. The fact that she thinks a guy who only ever sext her is relationship material should have been a huge red flag to me. Even though she is only 21 her behavior and relationship expectations are that of a 13 year old. I gave this two stars because it’s well written with no typo’s. Authors, please stop with the insta-lust = true love!
The Heroine is so off putting and immature that I could not finish this book. The fact that she thinks a guy who only ever sext her is relationship material should have been a huge red flag to me. Even though she is only 21 her behavior and relationship expectations are that of a 13 year old. I gave this two stars because it’s well written with no typo’s. Authors, please stop with the insta-lust = true love!
September 9, 2018
Good book, but......
I LOVE Trevion Burns books but this one was a little repetitive. I really loved the interactions between Viola and Jon on the plan but it got a little boring and samey once they got to the cabin, I skipped a lot of Viola's inner thoughts about how she felt about Jon and what she thought she was losing, because it just went on and on and on.
I really loved Jon, he was cool as heck and cannot wait to read Noodles story because I know it's gonna be a mess!
I LOVE Trevion Burns books but this one was a little repetitive. I really loved the interactions between Viola and Jon on the plan but it got a little boring and samey once they got to the cabin, I skipped a lot of Viola's inner thoughts about how she felt about Jon and what she thought she was losing, because it just went on and on and on.
I really loved Jon, he was cool as heck and cannot wait to read Noodles story because I know it's gonna be a mess!
January 17, 2018
Loved it
It took me a warm up to Viola. I was afraid I would dislike her for the entirety of the book, but she won me over at about 80% of the book. The Moore family certainly had their share of issues, but so happy the Dad swallowed his pride and manned up. So glad Jon found the acceptance he so strongly desired.
It took me a warm up to Viola. I was afraid I would dislike her for the entirety of the book, but she won me over at about 80% of the book. The Moore family certainly had their share of issues, but so happy the Dad swallowed his pride and manned up. So glad Jon found the acceptance he so strongly desired.
January 27, 2018
Well written
Interesting plot. However I felt the focus was too much on lust and not love. I don't feel like there was enough there to justify them being in love after 2 weeks but physical attraction. I found myself wondering if they could even last after the chaos of their first weeks together died down.
Interesting plot. However I felt the focus was too much on lust and not love. I don't feel like there was enough there to justify them being in love after 2 weeks but physical attraction. I found myself wondering if they could even last after the chaos of their first weeks together died down.
February 4, 2018
LOVED this story!
Refrain had everything in the perfect amount: angst, chemistry, plot twists, conflict, redemption, comedy, current events. Just a great tale of how trying to do the right thing can go wrong in the best of ways. The journey was frustrating at times but took us to a satisfying end for everyone.
Refrain had everything in the perfect amount: angst, chemistry, plot twists, conflict, redemption, comedy, current events. Just a great tale of how trying to do the right thing can go wrong in the best of ways. The journey was frustrating at times but took us to a satisfying end for everyone.
January 23, 2018
This is a Stand Alone and a Stand Out book. A classic story of the heart wanting what the heart wants and won't be denied. And a story that happens more times than people will admit. The resentment fostered when a child or sibling exceeds your dreams. You don't have to read the first 2 books to enjoy this book but I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2018
4 stars
I agree with some of the other readers regarding Viola. She was immature, careless and not a good friend. But I did enjoy reading this book. Each family member got their happy ending. Waiting for Noodle's love story.
I agree with some of the other readers regarding Viola. She was immature, careless and not a good friend. But I did enjoy reading this book. Each family member got their happy ending. Waiting for Noodle's love story.
February 4, 2019
Jon F ------ Baca!!
Loved Jon and Viola, loved his family, loved the brief glimpses of the band I love. Jon is such an intense sweetheart to me, he only wanted the love and acceptance of his family especially his dad.
Loved Jon and Viola, loved his family, loved the brief glimpses of the band I love. Jon is such an intense sweetheart to me, he only wanted the love and acceptance of his family especially his dad.
January 29, 2022
loved it
I don’t usually read parts of family shenanigans in a story however I was hooked from A-Z. The characters issues family ripped apart by macho dad and the stolen moments even a grandma amazing.
I don’t usually read parts of family shenanigans in a story however I was hooked from A-Z. The characters issues family ripped apart by macho dad and the stolen moments even a grandma amazing.
January 18, 2018
Healing
I laughed, I cried and I felt everyone's pain. This was more than a story about falling in love, it was also about healing and forgiveness.
I laughed, I cried and I felt everyone's pain. This was more than a story about falling in love, it was also about healing and forgiveness.
January 24, 2018
What a heartfelt story
I would recommend this heartfelt story. I really loved the learning curve of Violet. She learned to speak up for what you want and don’t want.
I would recommend this heartfelt story. I really loved the learning curve of Violet. She learned to speak up for what you want and don’t want.
January 25, 2018
Well written
Although well written, the lack of self control and selfishness that Jon and Viola portrayed was outrageous. It all came together in the end to everyone's benefit.
Although well written, the lack of self control and selfishness that Jon and Viola portrayed was outrageous. It all came together in the end to everyone's benefit.
April 22, 2018
Another one knocked out the park
Trevion, is a mistress of lyrics and story telling and while Viola and Jon's story was heat factored ten. The love and sacrifice matched.
Trevion, is a mistress of lyrics and story telling and while Viola and Jon's story was heat factored ten. The love and sacrifice matched.
May 21, 2018
Emotional rollercoaster 🎢
Ms Burns has me on a roller coaster ride filled with emotions. Very happy the more family received their happily ever after
Ms Burns has me on a roller coaster ride filled with emotions. Very happy the more family received their happily ever after
October 28, 2022
3.5 Stars
January 8, 2023
This book blew me away it was amazing 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2018
I'm a Trevion Burns fans. I like pretty much the majority of her books but this one by far was weak. The female character didn't have her own story. This is a 180 from the first 2 Stereo Hearts books. Both Shaun and Aria had their own dreams and a piece of mind. You only see Viola through the lens of her relationships with men. What's her career goal? Who is she outside of her friendship with Milo? What about her dad?
Other than the filler female character, the "climax" or "problem" was cliche. I'm over the "pretending to be dating" thing. It's not cute and everyone has done it. There's no need to add to the pile. It's been done and it's all the same. We get it. Move on.
Lastly, where did Jon come from? Could we have at least had a lead in? He was a blip in the first book (music video shoot?) and I truly don't remember him being mentioned in #2. The third book should have been Noodle and then brought Jon as a supporting character. Why do I care about Jon when he's been MIA for so long? Was he in rehab? It would have been interesting to see his character struggling in Noodle's story before his own story. He was basically random which is why I couldn't feel for his "dilemmas".
Overall, there was no real tension especially compared to the last 2 books and the solve, if there was one, was wrapped up pretty quickly. If you read the first 2 books, you should skip this one.
Other than the filler female character, the "climax" or "problem" was cliche. I'm over the "pretending to be dating" thing. It's not cute and everyone has done it. There's no need to add to the pile. It's been done and it's all the same. We get it. Move on.
Lastly, where did Jon come from? Could we have at least had a lead in? He was a blip in the first book (music video shoot?) and I truly don't remember him being mentioned in #2. The third book should have been Noodle and then brought Jon as a supporting character. Why do I care about Jon when he's been MIA for so long? Was he in rehab? It would have been interesting to see his character struggling in Noodle's story before his own story. He was basically random which is why I couldn't feel for his "dilemmas".
Overall, there was no real tension especially compared to the last 2 books and the solve, if there was one, was wrapped up pretty quickly. If you read the first 2 books, you should skip this one.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews